Nitin Gadkari: The 'Blessing' of No Reservation and the Call for Merit

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently shared a profoundly personal perspective on reservation, declaring that not receiving reservation as a Brahmin was, in his view, "God's biggest blessing." Speaking at the Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2024 awards, Gadkari articulated a philosophy centered on merit, hard work, and the belief that challenges can be powerful motivators.

Gadkari recounted a pivotal moment from his youth: a job interview where he was overlooked because he lacked reservation.

This experience, rather than deterring him, ignited an intense drive to succeed solely through his own capabilities. He attributes his professional journey and achievements to this early setback, viewing it as a catalyst that pushed him to strive harder and achieve excellence without the aid of preferential policies.

Beyond his personal anecdote, Gadkari used the platform to advocate for a significant shift in India's reservation system.

He firmly believes that reservation should be based on economic criteria rather than caste. He argues for a system where economically disadvantaged individuals from all communities, irrespective of their caste, receive support. To illustrate his point, he cited the disparity where a Brahmin student from an impoverished background might struggle to afford education, while a wealthy individual from a reserved category benefits from the existing system, which he views as fundamentally inequitable.

The veteran politician emphasized that the current caste-based reservation system, in his opinion, often serves political interests rather than genuinely uplifting the most vulnerable.

He stressed the paramount importance of education and skill development as the true engines of national progress and individual empowerment. Gadkari's own story—beginning from a humble background and even working as a daily wager during his college years—underscores his conviction that diligence and talent are the ultimate pathways to success.

He reiterated his long-held stance that reservation based solely on caste does not yield long-term societal benefits and often creates a divide.

Instead, he passionately champions the cause of socio-economic equality, envisioning a society where opportunities are accessible to all based on their economic standing and potential, fostering a truly meritocratic and inclusive nation.