A new book by Shashikala Kakodkar’s younger sister offers a personal portrait of Goa’s first and only woman Chief Minister. ‘Tai-Smruti Sugandh’, authored by the late CM’s younger sister, Jyoti Bandekar, brings together memories and reflections on the life and legacy of the late Shashikala Kakodkar.
Published by Shrividya Pratishthan – Goa, the book, spread over 96 pages, will be unveiled on August 27 at the Panjim Gymkhana in the state capital by Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of the author and other dignitaries.
The book traces Kakodkar’s journey from her early years and education to her entry into public life and eventual assumption of the Chief Minister’s office.
Born on January 7, 1935, Kakodkar was the eldest child of Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar and Sunandabai Bandodkar. She entered electoral politics after being elected from Ponda in 1967 and later served as a minister in her father’s government. Following his death in 1973, she became Chief Minister of Goa, Daman and Diu, serving until 1979. She also led the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party. Kakodkar died on October 28, 2016.
Kakodkar’s tenure as Chief Minister lasted nearly six years, from 1973 to 1979, and was marked by several initiatives and institutions. Education was a significant focus of her public life, particularly for economically disadvantaged sections of Goa.
For Bandekar, however, the book is also a record of personal memories of an elder sister. “Shashikala tai was much more than Goa’s first woman Chief Minister for me. She was my elder sister, my guide, and one of the strongest influences in my life. Her commitment to society, her discipline and her deep belief in education shaped the way I saw public life,” said Bandekar, ahead of the book release.
‘Tai-Smruti Sugandh’ is her second non-fiction book. Her earlier work, ‘Bhau Aathvancha Parijat’, was based on memories of Goa’s first Chief Minister and her father, the late Dayanand Bandodkar, while ‘Swachhand’ is her published collection of poetry.
