But you could have continued with social work. Why the switch to politics? For the power it adds to the reach of social work?
I don't use politics towards politics. I use it as a means for betterment of work. It is not just power. I get more access to information. I get onto the human resources committee. And I have [access to knowledge of] fund allotments for sure. I get to know what else everyone is doing in other states. So if someone is doing a success story we can exchange ideas or scale a project.
But politics is an escalator and once you get on, won't the focus of your work change?
I cannot give up my original work. What would I do in the next five years? Try and see if I can improve the schools. And not give up the other work as well. (It is) my work which I want to contribute. I want to improve education. And healthcare and livelihood.
Supriya began work on development issues with the Mumbai-headquartered Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan. Subsequently she carved her own niche running schools for tribals, working on improvement of education and disabled rights as well as working with women self-help groups and tribals.
A strong believer in micro-finance as a tool for empowerment of women through self help groups, the young politician runs a non governmental organisation, Yashaswini Abhiyan. She is also the managing trustee for the Pawar Public Charitable Trust.
She says she had a down-to-earth upbringing (she took a bus to school) that always allowed her to feel as comfortable in Mumbai as well as rural Baramati. "I don't think there are two Indias. For me there is one. I have lived both these lives. I enjoy being part of both these lives. I am happy eating this Bhakri and meat curry and I love blue cheese. I am blessed that I have had the opportunity of both."
As you watch her clamber onto plastic chairs to make speeches or sit with a gaggle of white khadi kurta party workers under a banyan tree or travel standing for hours on the Maruti Gypsy, she uses for city campaigning, you find it hard to remember that Supriya lives at a posh address in upmarket Mumbai and is occasionally spied at celebrity weddings or parties in the cities.
Image: A public meeting at a open hall attached to a large, striking temple in Virgaon. Sharad Pawar's aunt lived in Virgaon and folks around here remember him since the days when gola (ice cream sticks) sold for two annas. Today it is his daughter he comes by. Photograph: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel
Also watch: Arjun Singh's daughter speaks out! | Coverage: India Votes 2009
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