Farooq Abdullah, the minister for new and renewable energy who is also the patron of the National Conference, is known for his spontaneity and has often broken out into song or dance when the occasion has demanded.
The maverick politician from Jammu and Kashmir recently celebrated his 73rd birthday in the capital and was felicitated at a luxury hotel. Among those invited were a host of dignitaries, including former ministers and bureaucrats like Vasant Sathe, M.M. Jacob and former Jammu and Kashmir governor G.C. Saxena.
When asked what the secret of his success was and what kept him going, Abdullah said, “Abhi to main jawan hoon (I am still young), at least at heart.” The line was inspired by a famous Hindi song.
His son and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vouches for that. “My father is not that old, he is young at heart and younger than you and me!” he said.
rounak