I’m here to make a difference, says Adolf D’Souza

Juhu corporator Adolf D’Souza wants the constituency he represents to be free of corruption. He believes he can get started on this near-impossible task by setting an example

My life has played out in reverse so far. I did things as a teenager that people do when they are older. Older people are more likely to read books on spirituality and philosophy: I devoured them as a youngster. Social work, they say, is for people who have retired, but I started my career with it.
 
I was an altar boy at my church in Juhu and a youth leader with my parish’s voluntary groups before I stumbled into politics. I have spent most of my 44 years doing volunteer work, and I never really considered a career in politics. It was only in October last year that I realised I might stand for office.

Cut from a different cloth
When I was elected corporator from Juhu I thought it would be difficult for me to function, given that I was an independent candidate. I know now that is not true. I’m looked at, both at the municipal corporation and in my constituencies — including my latest charge, the Andheri K West ward — with respect.

Most politicians who contest elections belong to a party, and they often stand from a constituency the party designates. They have no base in the constituency and are voted to power by a captive electorate; a slum, for instance, that will only vote for a particular party.

I was elected by relatively educated people, who were free to vote for whoever they wanted. The other corporators know my votes were genuine, not bought or captured. I’m not interested in being anyone’s mai-baap. I don’t want to play God.

I am an activist
Most people run after three things: money, fame and power. Look at Govinda. He had money and fame, so what did he do next? Chase power by joining politics. That’s not the way it is for me. I’m not even sure if politics is my calling. I see it primarily as social work and myself as an activist.

My spiritual bent of mind comes from my mother. She was a simple and sincere homemaker; my father was the shrewd, man-of-the-world sort who came up the hard way.

My conviction flows from an understanding that is born of spirituality. I may not hold this post a few years from now, but if you are fortified with spiritual knowledge, you will always be able to take changes in your stride.

Spirituality, not religion, still plays a very important role in my life. I am observing Lent, though in my own way: I fast only on Wednesdays. I attend church services on Sundays; it rejuvenates me.

I want to be the most honest
I have a clean political record, and I know there are a lot of expectations of me. How do I handle the pressure of these expectations? By working harder, by being responsible and sincere. People have a poor opinion of corporators and politicians. The only way to change this opinion is to start with myself.

If I project myself as a no-nonsense, uncorrupted man, it will dissuade others in my team from becoming corrupt. I strongly believe in the power of one, that every change should start with the individual.

I may not be the most honest person around, but I’m trying to be one. I have worked very hard for this image; I’m not going to fritter it away.

My first priority in the K west ward that I represent is to put systems in place. My constituents come to me directly when they need something, but they must understand that my colleagues are as accountable. People will have to follow protocol.

The BMC has the reputation for not getting things done, despite being the richest corporation in India. We will have to change that. I am a crusader who is here to make a difference. We will start with this ward, then move on to Mumbai and then the rest of India. I know my changed country will be big enough to make a difference in the world.

Adolf D’Souza spoke to Labonita Ghosh