It'S not every day that one hears of political opponents being respectful of each other. But yesterday, with the news of Mrinal Gore, veteran Janata Dal leader passing away, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar expressed his grief over her death.

1928-2012

Despite their political differences, NCP chief Pawar was respectful of Gore and just a few months ago had even visited the social leader at her Goregaon home reminiscing of the old days when they were opponents. In fact, in 1998, when Sharad Pawar became Chief Minister and had decided that more than 250 plots in Bombay, which had been reserved for schools, gardens, hospitals and other public spaces would be dereserved and handed over to private builders for commercial constructions, it was owing to Gore's several public protests that led Pawar to call off the decision.

A leader of the poor, for the poor:u00a0Mrinal Gore's commitment to the people was so great that in 1985, then CM Vasantdada Patil sanctioned a huge plot of land for Nagri Niwara project - a low income housing scheme - in Dindoshi. File pics

Apart from her work with the poor, Gore, also left an indelible mark for her contribution to other issues of public interest including that of the Naxals in Gadchiroli.

Despite critical remarks from the Opposition, Gore never tired of her work and continued to work for the public cause earning her sincerity and respect even from her political foes.

Her commitment to the people was so great that in 1985, then CM Vasantdada Patil sanctioned a huge plot of land for Nagri Niwara project - a low income housing scheme - in Dindoshi.

Mrinal Gore is the epitome for all who wish to join politics and serve the people. In a time when there was no reservation for women, Gore stood above all else as a towering personality and is a source of inspiration for generations to come. u00a0