"Parkash Singh Badal, 84, will become chief minister of the agrarian state for the fifth time."

Congratulations, Mr Badal!

I have a fond personal memory of Mr Badal, from an age when we all have great hope from our leaders.

Sometime in 1978 or so, being the most 'decorated' fine artist/painter in DAV college (having received a wide array of medals and awards across numerous university and state-level competitions), I was commissioned by the college principal to paint Mr Badal's oil portrait.

I was given a photo and asked to paint. My painting was then presented to Mr Badal (Chief Minister of Panjab) by the principal during a major college function in which Mr Badal was chief guest.

I wonder whether Mr Badal still owns that portrait somewhere inside his pile of momentos! I'd like to take a photograph of that portrait for my personal records. I've not painted for decades now, and that was one of my finer portraits.

Anyway, just a random thought. A reminiscence.

I'm sure the Akalis could do with a bit more of liberty, though. I wouldn't hold them as examples of good governance.

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