Kejriwal and Gandhiji: AAP Leader Avadh Ojha Reflects on Their Sacrifices (IANS Interview)
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Motivational speaker, educator, entrepreneur, and UPSC coach Avadh Ojha, who joined the ruling AAP in Delhi on Tuesday, drew a comparison between former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Mahatma Gandhi, stating that both were incarcerated for a noble cause.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ojha, aged 40 and a previous skeptic of Kejriwal, discussed various topics including the goal of advancing Kejriwal's 'politics of performance' and the 'education revolution'.
Known affectionately as Ojha sir among students from Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, he embarked on a new path in politics by joining the AAP on Monday but refuted speculations that he joined the party to contest in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
Here is the complete interview:
IANS: Are we conversing with the potential next Education Minister of Delhi?
Avadh Ojha: I consider myself merely a foot soldier of the AAP and nothing beyond that. I hope the education movement in Delhi gains traction and serves as a model for other states as our party's influence grows across the nation. It's truly heartening to witness government school students expressing curiosity and asking questions. I aspire for this curiosity to flourish.
IANS: What prompted your sudden decision to enter politics and join the AAP?
Avadh Ojha: I became part of the AAP due to a warm invitation extended to me. One feels compelled to embrace such an offer when it comes with deep respect. I have always championed the AAP government's education model, and there was no reason to decline the opportunity to be part of the AAP's education revolution.
IANS: From being a strong critic of Arvind Kejriwal to becoming his greatest supporter, how has this shift occurred for an educator with nine lakh YouTube subscribers?
Avadh Ojha: My previous remarks about Kejriwal were never personal. They were made purely from an educational standpoint. Teachers and poets often highlight issues and express concerns, which is common in our classrooms.
IANS: What is your take on AAP leaders facing imprisonment related to Delhi's liquor policy?
Avadh Ojha: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Nelson Mandela, and Ram Manohar Lohia all faced imprisonment. A person should not be judged solely based on their incarceration. What truly matters is the cause for which they are imprisoned. Until a court declares someone guilty, they remain innocent. If it pertains to policy, the court will ultimately determine its validity.
IANS: How do you evaluate AAP's model in Delhi?
Avadh Ojha: Since AAP assumed power in 2015, the passing rate in government schools has soared to 97 percent in CBSE examinations. The AAP has transformed the education model, challenging the notion that students from government schools cannot achieve success. In 2015, only 15 students from government schools qualified for IIT-Mains, whereas this year the figure has reached 783. Approximately 1,500 students have also cleared NEET from government schools. This underscores the AAP government's accomplishments in the education sector in Delhi.
The establishment of Mohalla clinics exemplifies groundbreaking advancements in healthcare, providing opportunities for individuals earning around Rs 200 daily to consult a physician.
IANS: Are you planning any significant innovations after joining the AAP?
Avadh Ojha: I believe the AAP is advocating a commendable ideology, and we simply need to enhance Kejriwal's efforts and contribute to the ongoing health and education revolution in Delhi.
