AN ARTISTIC SOUL

PROF. V. SITARAMAIAH

The Triveni made a great mark in journalism devoting itself to Art, History and Literature in a special way, and, during the period of the freedom-struggle in India its contribution was individual, quiet and efficient. Its Editor Sri K. Ramakotiswara Rau shaped it into a fine and great instrument of education and culture. It was chiefly owing to his idealism and sense of purpose and through his gift for friendship that that was rendered possible. He was a very amiable man and mixed freely in company which I think, he selected for himself. And he selected some among the finest men in South and North India to write for him. A bond of fellowship and sympathy united a cause near and dear to many. Those who were not actual fighters and leaders but who could exert an indirect influence in thought, feeling and argument belonged to this group of men. It was not easy any time to assemble on an Advisory Board men like Jinarajadasa, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Pattabhi, etc. There were others like Sri K. Chandrasekharan and Sri Sampathgiri Rao and the late Manjeri Isvaran who chummed with Rau in the actual production of the paper. Into the Triveni poured articles on political and public life, the several fine arts and on many aspects of life and culture in India. Many creative writers in practically all the languages of India co-operated with him.

For the first time many beautiful articles were written lucidly and authoritatively on music, painting and the dance, both on the theory and on the practice of them. Sri Rau chose some beautiful pictures of the Indian Masters and printed them on good paper in a way to present the paintings and the painters to their best advantage. He was particular-almost to being finicky–about the paper, printing, cover and the design. It was part of his conscience and artistic soul; and there was no compromise. Through hard days and smooth, he stuck to his purpose and way of doing things. Even in days when the fortunes of the paper ran low his enthusiasm for it never flagged and he had the same gracious, winning ways. I have not heard him raise his voice. The expression of his face or fingers or the movement of his moustache and the wan, sad expression of the smile that was there even in moments of depression were still warm and human. These made him dear to us all. Personally the Triveni secured for me some good friends.

More than that it brought him to me–clean, clad in spotless white khadi with a soft and fine grained shawl, as upper cloth, with a crop of hair well-groomed. With his soft and gentle ways he endeared himself to all of us. His editorial notes used to be thoughtful and purposive and spoke of an ardour of feeling, expressing his love of the land, the values and the attitudes and the courtesies he cherished. There was some sly humour when he presented a case in personal conversation, when he disagreed with a friend. During the last few years, he came rarely to Bangalore. Then it stopped because he could not, perhaps, make the journey. But physically present or not, his presence could be sensed and the memory of a very fine person, with a style and character of his own, dedicated to a cause always before us. We miss that person today. His quality and what he stood for deserve to be cherished and advanced by Triveni and by all those who in camaraderie were happy to work with him. All the writers and friends who knew him and had to deal with him anywhere have a grateful memory of him; and the memory will abide.

MASTI VENKATESA IYENGAR

Vice-President, The Indian PEN

.....have always admired Sri Ramakoti for the brave manner in which he has carried on his work. He began his venture at a promising time, but very soon things became difficult. Others who started such ventures gave them up, but our friend Ramakoti has persisted in the face of difficulties. It did not pay its way. He has always used the best paper, employed the best printing and given the magazine a sumptuous get-up. He h as put his own money and other money generously given by his friends.

From his address in connection with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of ‘Triveni in 1954

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