This is an immediate expression of gratitude to all those of you who supported me through what was an intense scrutiny as well as a mental and physical ordeal.

Many of you went voluntarily through the same trial by fire. I am sure you are all drained and disappointed today.

Meena and I have not come away unscathed. The wounds are deep. And we will need time to heal them where they run in the innermost recesses of our minds, bodies and spirits.

But heal they will! And you will not see them on our faces as we immediately get back to being productive, patriotic citizens.

The dream lives on.

The dream of a better world. A more sane and a more just environment in which every child can hope to have a fair opportunity to flourish. As God meant all of us to do so.

We must reorganise, rededicate ourselves to rekindle the fires that were doused over the last 24 hours.

I am travelling today to Porbunder and Sidsar to seek guidance from the Mahatma's spirit and the all-enveloping, all-pervasive presence of Mataji.

Much food for thought has been provided by the events of the last two months. Much to reflect on in the coming days.

But you can't keep a good man down. And even less the woman behind him! :-)

Dear sir,
This is a little disappointed, yet a thoroughly satisfied Aastha Dangar writing to you just to say whatever the results, we are still with you. I just wanted to thank you!
 
You have proved to be a source of inspiration to all of us for you have showed us that "You have to enter the system to change the system". You took a great pioneer by entering the system which is claimed to be a pool of dirt. After the declaration of the results, what I feel is that you have not lost anything, but probably the people of Rajkot shall be deprived of your service. We believe that with the potential and capabilities that you have, it would have been a treat for the people to receive your services! You had taken the lead to be the change which you always wished to see in others. Thank you once again.
 
You have cleared a way for us and motivated us to enter this field, to take up the challenge to face the world and create a nation we have always dreamt to live in! You have participated as a splendid candidate, with splendid sportsman spirit and complete sincerity towards the people and the party alike....
 
 Anyways, good we'll see you more often in the courtyard after the prayers! Just as your day is incomplete without attending the prayers , just the same way even we feel something is not the same when you can't make up for the prayers. Please continue to work with the same zeal and enthusiasm, and then victory can not be much far! Please PLEASE don't quit the field, with you around at least a few square feet of ground will be cleaned. It will prove to an area for us to begin our journey into politics! I am sure the fighter in you can not be disappointed with just one defeat.
 
Wishing you all the best

Aastha Dangar

Dear Aastha,

What you mention is most heartening.

I have no intention of giving up the fight to create a saner, more just world for all of us. I believe very strongly that we are at the start of a period of great change in our political and social history.

The next decade will forever transform India. If we seize the moment, the opportunity, we will perhaps be able to steer the country in an appropriate and desirable direction. If we do not, we are likely to condemn your generation and the next to even more widespread cynicism and pessimism. And even worse, apathy. Staying aloof from, and non-participation in, the democratic process. Our current nightmare.

Tomorrow is another day. I have not, will not, stop dreaming of an India I can be proud of, an india that is a beacon of hope in a desolate, crisis-ridden world.

Thank you once again for taking the time to write from the heart Aastha. It has meant much to me and Meena, and certainly strengthened my resolve to stay the course. :-)

Regards,
KiranSir