Mysuru: Vani Das Pattnaik, wife of late Socialist MP Kishen Pattnaik, urged young socialists to save their hard-earned money for a secure future. She was addressing an interaction session organised by Samajwadi Adhyayana Kendra Trust at Indian Institute of Educational Theatre on JLB Road in city recently.

Recounting her early years, Vani shared that she left for Pune at the age of 12 to learn music, which became her livelihood. Explaining the hardships she faced, she revealed, “I was sent out of my house as my presence was considered a hindrance to the marriage prospects of other family members.”

She pursued music in Pune through a student scholarship, a journey that later took her to Bombay and Delhi. Her native town’s residents often exaggerated her achievements, drawing laughter from the audience.

“I earned Rs. 10 per song as a Marathi singer in Pune and later transitioned into playback singing. Ironically, the same family members who once drove me out started seeking my help once I began earning,” she recounted. Vani also shared how she met Kishen Pattnaik during a train journey, introduced by a mutual acquaintance who was a Bank Manager.

Detailing her married life, Vani noted, “Kishen, a Socialist MP and the son of a Dewan in Kalahandi Princely State of Odisha, lived an unassuming life despite his privileged background. Though his brother was a Judge, Kishen never sought his support and instead remained dedicated to the people he served.”

She highlighted their decision not to have children, saying it was mutual and reflected their shared values. Together, the couple devoted their lives to uplifting the poor, marginalised communities, Devadasis and other vulnerable groups.

However, Vani expressed sorrow over the way Kishen was treated in his final days, particularly during a trip to Hyderabad, where he felt let down by his friends. She lamented that his simplicity and values failed to provide him solace during his last moments, as he succumbed to high fever. “Young socialists must learn from these experiences and secure their futures,” she emphasised.

The event was moderated by retired CRPF IGP K. Arkesh. Prominent attendees included senior theatre artiste Rajesh Basavanna, Abhiruchi Ganesh, retired Police Officer J.B. Rangaswamy and others.