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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Sunetra Pawar has taken charge, but challenges remain

Mumbai: Days after taking oath as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy CM, Sunetra Ajit Pawar was unanimously elected president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This was another major responsibility on her shoulders just a month after her husband’s tragic death in the Baramati air crash. For decades, Sunetra, popular as ‘Vahini’ or just ‘Tai’, chose to be the silent force behind her husband. But she remained accessible, grounded and attentive to the people of Baramati. Sunetra quietly...

Sunetra Pawar has taken charge, but challenges remain

Mumbai: Days after taking oath as Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy CM, Sunetra Ajit Pawar was unanimously elected president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). This was another major responsibility on her shoulders just a month after her husband’s tragic death in the Baramati air crash. For decades, Sunetra, popular as ‘Vahini’ or just ‘Tai’, chose to be the silent force behind her husband. But she remained accessible, grounded and attentive to the people of Baramati. Sunetra quietly built institutions of sustainability, empowering rural youth, women and farmers, and addressed environmental concerns. Earning awards and accolades, she continued in a similar vein until the NCP suddenly split apart in July 2023 and Ajit Pawar fielded her in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Baramati. Her opponent was her sister-in-law and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Working President Supriya Sule, who easily snatched victory. Barely months later, Sunetra waltzed into the Rajya Sabha with a nudge from the BJP, signalling new political equations. Challenges ahead Sunetra Pawar faces multiple challenges within the party, government, politics and family. There’s a dreaded, but not fully identified, ‘chandal chaukdi’ (gang of four), referred to by all, that’s hyper-active after Ajit Pawar’s death. This can test her authority. Here, Sunetra will have to assert herself and make efforts to carve her independent niche in politics. The sympathy factor may soon evaporate. Another question is whether Sunetra will initiate a ‘merger’ of the two NCPs. This was said to be the ‘desire’ of Ajit Pawar. A close family friend and retired IPS officer, Vikram Bokey, described Sunetra as ‘a gem of a human being, extremely poised, cultured, and with a highly educated background’. “The state witnessed her suddenly blossom into a leader after Ajit Pawar’s tragic passing… She has rekindled hopes among the masses. The people view her as the ideal candidate for the top (CM) post,” Bokey told The Perfect Voice . Sunetra – A village girl who became deputy CM Born on 18 October 1963, Sunetra hails from an influential political family. Her step-brother, Dr Padamsinh Patil, straddled state and national politics with ease for decades. She completed her BA, married Ajit Pawar in 1985, but chose to prioritise family and motherhood and only much later (2024) marked her reluctant political entry to support her spouse. She is a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan, chairperson of Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park, and a member of the World Entrepreneurship Forum, a French think-tank. She launched the Environmental Forum of India (2010).

Indecision Kills Personal Branding

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Indecision Kills

In a world that celebrates clarity and confidence, hesitancy is a silent yet powerful force that can diminish your personal brand. When people dwell in the realms of “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” they unknowingly project uncertainty and unreliability—traits that can undermine the foundation of a strong personal brand. Your ability to make decisions and stand firm on them is not just a reflection of your leadership but also a testament to your personal brand’s strength.


Every interaction we have leaves an impression. Be it a professional email, a networking event, or a casual conversation, these moments contribute to how others perceive us. When you continuously oscillate between indecision and vague responses, it sends a message that you lack confidence or direction. In business, where trust and reliability are paramount, this can become a significant roadblock.


Imagine a scenario where a client approaches two service providers with the same inquiry. The first one confidently outlines a plan, clearly stating the next steps, while the second hesitates, replying with, “I’m not sure; let me think about it.” Even if both have the same expertise, the client is more likely to gravitate toward the first provider. Confidence fosters trust, and trust is the bedrock of all successful relationships—professional or personal.


Indecision can often stem from the fear of making mistakes or being judged. While this is natural, it’s important to remember that perfection is an illusion. The act of making a decision, even if it turns out to be less than ideal, demonstrates courage, responsibility, and accountability. These are the traits that elevate a personal brand, distinguishing you in a crowded and competitive world.


Being decisive doesn’t mean being impulsive or reckless. It means gathering information, weighing options, and then committing to a choice with confidence. In personal branding, this is particularly crucial because every decision you make—how you respond to challenges, present yourself, or communicate with others—forms part of the narrative others associate with you.


Hesitation and indecision don’t only affect how others perceive you; they also impact how you view yourself. Constantly second-guessing yourself leads to self-doubt, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more uncertain you are, the more others will mirror that uncertainty, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.


One way to counter this is by setting clear priorities and aligning your decisions with them. For instance, if your personal brand is centred around being a thought leader in your industry, your choices should reflect expertise and foresight. Even in moments of ambiguity, acknowledging the uncertainty while showing a proactive approach—such as saying, “I’ll find out and get back to you”—conveys both honesty and determination.


During my recent trip to Australia, I was reminded of how decisiveness shapes impressions. Whether interacting with global clients or navigating unfamiliar professional terrains, I realized that certainty in communication was key to building trust and rapport. This was particularly evident when representing my personal brand on international platforms. A clear, confident tone opened doors and strengthened relationships that would have otherwise remained distant.


The next time you find yourself leaning on phrases like “I’m not sure” or “maybe,” pause and ask yourself: Is this hesitation necessary? Sometimes, it’s about silencing the inner critic and choosing to act decisively. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the act of making a choice positions you as someone who is reliable, proactive, and worth trusting.


Your personal brand isn’t defined by the absence of mistakes but by how you handle them and move forward. Decisiveness isn’t just about making choices—it’s about owning them. And in a world that often feels uncertain, those who lead with clarity and conviction stand out.


Make your decisions a reflection of your confidence, and watch as your personal brand strengthens, opening doors you never imagined.

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(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+countries. Views personal.)

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