Their faces have becomes synonymous with the youth and politics, but there’s a fortitude and maturity to Captain Gopinath's daughters that belies their age.
Captain Gopinath's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the recent elections surprised not only the city, but his daughters as well.
"Our initial reaction to our father's decision was one of surprise and apprehension. He was due to start a new company and was already under a lot of stress," says Pallavi Gopinath, the older daughter.
When asked about what made her father to take this step, she replied, "The overall situation was such that there was a need for someone credible and capable of handling the situation, and knowing my father, he would definitely not pretend indifference, but rather take it upon himself to set things right."
She adds that he strongly believes that if one vote can make a difference then a single person can make a significant contribution, and this belief is what motivates him to carry forward his message of change.
Both Pallavi, and her sister Krithika, were actively involved in the campaigning and they say that the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. But she is quick to add that there are some educated urban citizens who are not willing to support an independent candidate. They prefer to cast their vote in favour of a party, and this is what sets captain Gopinath apart from the others.
"His views and plans are not in accordance with that of any party and therefore, he has decided to abstain from joining or associating himself with any one. He sticks by his values and morals and will continue to do so," says Krithika. The girls also added that they do not want to play on the emotions and sentiments of people by campaigning in temples or other holy places.
"Our style of campaigning has been very unique and in that we adhered to the rules laid down by the election commission. Although we were left with barely three weeks to campaign we managed to round up many supporters. A citizen's committee meeting was well received and this proved that our efforts have paid off," says Pallavi.
The citizens committee started by Gopinath will cater to needs and problems faced by the people. This committee will continue to function, irrespective of whether he wins or loses. "This election will provide him with a platform to serve the people and bring about a much needed change in the Southern constituency," says Pallavi
When asked about the reaction they got from their friends and other family members, Pallavi says that they got positive reactions from almost everyone. She states that people were very happy that somebody like Captain Gopinath decided to take a stance. "The people have faith him and believe in his ideals. The awareness he has created through his campaigns is evident in the form of support he has been getting," she says.
When questioned about the risks involved in politics both girls say, "It's all part of the game and every venture entails risks; if we don't take risks we'll never be able tackle problems that that we face."
Although Pallavi has been away from the country for the last six years, she has kept herself up-to-date on the political goings-on here. Krithika, admits that although she never really had in-depth knowledge of the political scene, he father's decision spurred her into learning more about it.
The entire campaigning experience was an exhilarating and exciting experience for both of them as they got to meet many people. They add that there is a pretty good chance of their father winning this election, and even if he loses, he will continue to work for the people.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}