Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis picked up a big honor on Monday—the Phoenix Award from spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The award comes from the Marathi Journalists Association, and Fadnavis shared how it boosts his energy to tackle his role as CM.
In a lively speech, Fadnavis opened up about his ups and downs in politics. “Many folks thought I was done for, turning to ashes,” he said with a smile. “But I spread my wings and took off!” He credited his success to two key traits: patience and positivity. He even joked, “Here’s a secret—if you see me angry, I’m probably just hungry. Feed me, and I cool down right away. Otherwise, I stay calm.”
Fadnavis emphasized staying positive no matter what. “I look for the good in everyone I meet,” he explained. “And I tackle every task with a positive mindset. This Phoenix Award fits perfectly—people thought I was ashes, but I flew high. Why? Because I faced challenges head-on with positivity. I never ran from tough times, hated anyone, or played dirty politics. That’s how I kept pushing forward, step by step.”
He also highlighted the bond between journalists and politicians. “They’re like the two wheels of democracy’s vehicle,” Fadnavis said. “They need to work together to keep things on track.” He stressed that journalists have every right to criticize, but leaders should get a fair hearing too. “Democracy grows stronger with free journalism,” he added. “The government stands with journalists to fix their issues. In this competitive world, especially after COVID, their job got tougher—they’re out there day and night.”
Fadnavis promised full support to keep this vital part of democracy strong. He wrapped up by praising positive thinking for long-term wins, like helping future generations. He gave shoutouts to initiatives like Jalyukt Shivar Yojana, which tackled farmers’ woes with water conservation efforts. “Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inspired us,” Fadnavis noted. “Art of Living teams joined hands with the government. And Sri Sri has put Indian yoga, Ayurveda, and traditions on the global map, spreading humanity’s message worldwide. Getting this award from him is a huge pride for me.”
