Growing up in the desert, you imbibed such a sense of freedom --- how could it combine with the restricting worlds of the Army and politics?
By building a very strong cocoon of privacy.

What about your unbending spirit?
It is about never giving up. In the Army for instance, I always did something slightly off the routine. As a cadet for instance, we were once in a general training camp in the jungle. Early morning, I tied a red scarf which is against the rules. As a punishment, the officer asked me to dig the latrine. Then, as we had to go up a hillside, he made me carry the heaviest weapon. He told me “you are not complaining”. I said “what is the good of complaining to you?” And I have found at times an unnatural resistance to pain.

If there was one question you could ask God, what would it be?
It would not be a question. “I am You”, so whatever I do is what You are doing. There is nothing I can ask. Give me light, that is all I would say.

If you were to be reincarnated, what would you choose?
I know there is reincarnation. And whatever my faith ordains shall be.

What is your idea of happiness?
Is it just an absence of discontent? Is it a fulfilment, as simple as having a good meal? Happiness is such a weak word. “Anand” is much more powerful. It is about the cognition of Beauty.

At times of challenges where do you find the energy, the anchor?
In myself.

... contd.