MUMBAI: Simplicity brings comfort for Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who still prefers to use once ubiquitous ambassador car in Delhi in the era of SUVs and also feels "jittery" when surrounded by security personnel who are part of his entourage.
Recounting his days as Goa chief minister, Parrikar said he prefers to stay simple by choice.
"Even after becoming Defence minister, I travel in an ambassador (car) in New Delhi whose doors get jammed from time to time and even the car breaks down thrice a day. But, simplicity is my comfort and I prefer to remain simple by choice. I get jittery when there are policemen surrounding me (for security)," the minister said.
The technocrat-cum-politician was addressing a gathering here on the 43rd anniversary of GIANTS International Awards.
Every year, GIANTS Felicitates prominent personalities who have contributed immensely to the society in the field of business and industry, education , medicine, journalism, films, music, sports and social services.
"Once when I was Goa CM, a party worker had called me to his house for tea. I went to his house and fulfilled my commitment. Next day, when I called him if he was satisfied, he replied that he indeed was but asked me why did I not bring my pilot vehicles and escorts along with me.
"I asked him if my coming wasn't enough, to which he replied that even though I had come, nobody in his village knew that the CM had visited his house," Parrikar said evoking a ripple of laughter.
Parrikar said one should be proud of knowledge that India has given to the world even as he encouraged the audience to work towards "immortality."
The former IITian said people should understand the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"At first, when Modi-ji was the CM of Gujarat, I only knew him as a person with a lot of energy to do the right things. From the last 10 months or so, I have started knowing him as a person with immense vision," he said.
Parrikar said initiatives launched by PM like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and 'Selfie with daughters' have played a major role in increasing the ratio of girl child in many places.