Mumbai: An enormous collage of Leo Varadkar’s notable moments dominates a living room wall at the Borivali residence of Shubhada Varadkar, cousin to Ireland’s Prime Minister-elect. The tables are covered with boxes of sweets in various stages of consumption, as Leo’s relatives greet jubilant visitors with mangoes.
Shubhada says close to 55 people were packed into their living room from 8.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Friday night as the results of the elections in Ireland came in. “We were all very anxious as we waited for the results. Everyone was glued to the TV screen. Many began dancing when Leo was declared the winner. At first, we were worried as the opposition was leading and Leo was trailing.”
Shekhar Varadkar, the eldest of three siblings who are cousins to Leo, says the family is proud of his achievements. “Not only has he brought honour to our family, but to the country as well.”
Public service is something the Varadkar clan understands well: Leo’s uncles, Manohar and Madhukar, were active in the Quit India movement in 1942. “I believe he will definitely have a positive impact on Irish politics and consequently, on world politics as well,” Shubhada says.
The distance between India and Ireland hasn’t affected the bond the clan shares. “Leo's win really makes us believe in the power of the people, in democracy and in the progressive ideals of society. Neither his age nor his sexual preferences impacted his appointment; it was solely his positive outreach and excellent work,” says Shirish, the youngest cousin.
“Ashok (Leo’s father) and I keep in touch over phone every week,” Manohar Varadkar, Ashok’s elder brother, said. Whenever Leo comes to India, which isn’t often due to his busy schedule, he makes it a point to visit the family in Borivali. “He loves Indian cuisine and most of all, gulab jamun! I make it for him whenever he visits. He is like a son to me,” Manik Varadkar, Manohar’s wife, said.
“During my recent visit to Ireland, Leo took out time for me, and showed me around. It was truly amazing. He also took me to the Irish Parliament, though I haven’t yet seen the Indian Parliament!” Shubhada laughed.
