FICCI - An Interactive Session on "Multifaceted Women of Today" by Poonam Mahajan Rao

Hyderabad’s bahu Poonam Mahajan Rao was in conversation with FlO members in city on “Multifaceted Women of today”

“I didn’t know arithmetic’s of politics. I didn’t know politics of politics when I entered politics by accident ": Poonam Mahajan Rao
Hyderabad, June 10, 2016…..FICCI Ladies organized an interactive session with Hyderabad’s bahu Poonam Mahajan, here in city at Hotel Park Hyatt on Friday.

Poonam’s in-laws and her parents all hail from Telugu states. My in laws from Andhra Pradesh and Father was born in Mahaboobnagar and Mother in Hydereabad she declared. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are both dear to me. Both Telangana and AP are in my blood she claimed very proudly.

Her mother in lawBVP Rao, Sister-in-law Madhumitha and neice Bhavna were also present among the audience.

Addressing the gathering on “Multifaceted Women of Today” she said that she was new to politics though her father was in politics. I didn’t know arithmetics of politics. I didn’t know politics of politics when I entered politics by accident, soon after my father died, she informed to the packed audience, who heard her with rapt attention.

I am a proud Hyderabadi. I have seen many telugu films. Every women is multifaceted. All women in our family, mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, sister, every one is multifaceted.

Speaking further Poonam quoted that “If you want to say something tell a man. And if you want something to be done, tell a woman” she said. That is how women are, she added. Women are very dedicated. None can beat them in multitasking.

Women are good in managing money. I have built 600 toilets in two years time. That is why I am addressed as Toilet MP, which I am proud to be known as, she said.

Pahale Sochalay, baad me devalay(First toilets, next temples), she said.

I love being woman. I love being nice. Are you not proud of being women?, she asked her audience. She told them to celebrate motherhood, womanhood. You be proud of yourself she said.

When moderater Maya Sharma, Resident Editor of NDTV-Bangalore asked that most of the women in Indian politics are family members of politicians, wives, sisters, sister-in-laws or daughter-in-laws. When do we seen without any god fathers volunteering and opting, politicis, Poonam replied that it should be changed. And it must be started with you, she said.

When asked about her relationship with Priya Dutta, the two time MP, whom she defeated in 2014 elections, she said, that they were good friends. Unlike people think we are good friends. We are not dushmans(enemies). In Maharashtra all the rival candidates are dushmans. That dushmani only prevails in UP, she said.

When asked to describe herself in three words she said, “Passionate, Possessive and Mad”. It is mad person only will achieve their goals. And added somebody as saying in Marathi, she said, If you don’t become mad, you cant get into history”

She also answered to many questions put forth by the members of the FLO.

The maiden event under the stewardship of Padma Rajgopal, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad was well attended by 200 plus members.

The first meeting of the year for FLO Hyderabad Chapter was facilitated by well known senior broadcast journalist Maya Sharma from NDTV, Bangalore, who was specially flown in for the meeting. From amongst the very first batch of trained TV journalists, Maya is now the Resident Editor of NDTV Bangalore.

Welcoming the gathering Padma Rajgopal said the theme of the interaction is “the Multifaceted Woman of Today. Poonamji has been invited purely for the multitude of roles she has been playing along with many talents, interests she has been pursuing. Thus she has become source of inspiration to many, as this year’s theme is ‘aspire to inspire”.

Management graduate and Pilot turned politician, Poonam Mahajan has strong roots to Hyderabad. She is married to Anand Rao Vejandla, an industrialist from Hyderabad.

True to the spirit of a 'multi faceted modern woman', Poonam is an active member of the Indian Parliament. Despite the tragedy she carried out her father's legacy. Known as best orator, she made her mark. A tech-savvy, Poonam, spearheaded the development of a mobile application for Voter Registration, thus proved her mettle in better Governance practices.

A married mother of two, she is a truly multi faceted role model for the modern Indian woman.

Her passion is to build a stronger country by ensuring public productivity. empower women and uplift them, to protect environment and to promote her mantra for progress--"politician-public partnership"

Poonam, 36years, devoted mother is a multifaceted personality. She completed 300 hours of commercial pilot training from Dallas, Texas. She holds a Pilot License from US.

Though she is a first time MP, but, she made her mark felt in the Loksabha by highlighting various issue of public interest.

She heads a Charitable Trust, Pramod Mahajan Foundation and Educational institution which uplift the sections of society that are less privileged. She is passionate about youth issues and employment and is known for being very approachable and accessible. She strongly believes in woman and child development, education, equal employment and security of woman.

200 plus gathering paid rapt attention to the youngest woman BJP National Secretary.

Poonam plunged into politics soon after the sad demise of her father Pramod Mahajan. She won as MP from Mumbai North Central with a record margin, upsetting her rival and two time MP, daughter of late Sunil Dutta, Priya Dutt.

Poonam has another feather in her cap. She is the first woman President of Basketball Federation of India.
She loves both classical and pop music, likes to read and travel extensively, she also likes to spend quiet evenings with her family.