For Sanjay Tandon and his sons, Saraansh, Shiven and Satyam, family life is deeply rooted in values, service and meaningful dialogue. In this conversation, they speak about growing up around politics, the importance of seva, generational perspectives and carrying forward a legacy with humility.
What is the Tandon family dinner table like — more politics or more casual conversations?
We intend to keep things casual, but every dinner table conversation does end up gravitating towards political and international issues. The only exception is when the three beautiful grandkids are around. With them, all of us tend to ease up and simply have fun.
As sons, what is the biggest value you have inherited from your father?
There are so many, but the biggest one is the value of seva. To give all of yourself to society and the nation, and not seek its fruit. Just make the offering. That is our foremost dharma.
Mr. Tandon, how do your sons keep you grounded beyond politics?
The values I carry have come from my parents and from my Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. They form my foundation. But my sons bring something into my life that no amount of experience alone can give: the lens of their generation. As we grow older, we perhaps unconsciously stop seeing the world as the young see it. My children correct that. Their perspectives, their idealism and their questions help me arrive at a balanced understanding of the world as it truly is.
Do political discussions at home ever turn into friendly debates?
Everyone at home has their own friends and professional circles, and they bring different opinions to the table from various segments of society. Coming from a political lineage does come with strong opinions on certain topics, but the idea of dialogue has always been encouraged from day one. Friendly debates do happen, but the core of the conversation stays around nationalism, which is above politics.
How has growing up in a political family shaped your worldview?
Our father’s work ethic made us understand that political positions are meant for helping those in need, not for personal gratification. The spirit of service to society and nation-building has been ingrained into our ideology because of all that we observed while growing up.
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