Mr Ajit Jogi, Former CM, Chhattisgarh

My association with Mr Ajit Jogi started when I was posted as Chief Post Master General, Chhattisgarh in 2002. Within a week of my taking over the new responsibility, CM's office informed me over phone that I had been given the appointment to have my first official meeting with the CM at 1030 on the following day. I wanted to recheck whether it was 1030 in the morning or not. Hence I called his office and I was told that it was not 1030 am, rather it was 1030 pm. A man of extra-ordinary dedication and commitment to serve the people, the bureaucrat-turned CM was working sincerely until late night every day. 

We had 30 minutes of briefing and that gave us a close bonding with one another. A man of hard work and dedication, Mr Jogi was very respectful and showed immense desire to bring major improvement in the state of Chhattisgarh. Interestingly, soon after the meeting at 11 pm, he invited me to join him for dinner along with his family. His wife was quite apologetic that there was only dal-chawal for dinner that night, as the dinner invitation by the CM was instantaneous. The reason I want to narrate this incident is that I found in Mr Jogi a very genuine and kind person. 

I had the opportunity to interact with him many times, both during his tenure as CM and later. Apart from official relationship, it was a genuine friendship and mutual affection for one another. He displayed a remarkable sense of character, quite different from the typical political leaders. He was a man who had an unhypocritical passion to uplift the poor and the vulnerable, the oppressed and the uncared for. As the first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh state, after it was carved out of MP in 2000, he was instrumental in preparing a roadmap for the development of the State. He enjoyed tremendous support among the people of Chhattisgarh because of his easy accessibility and his genuine concern for their development. He is fondly remembered by the people of Chhattisgarh and MP for his expansive and intentional efforts as IAS officer in the development of villages and backward areas. 

Last year, Ramona and I had the privilege to meet Mr Ajit Jogi, at his residence in Raipur. In his death, we will miss a good friend and a good administrator. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Renu, his son Amit and the Jogi family.