RAJAJI
In the passing away of Sri C. Rajagopalachariar Triveni has lost one of its earliest well-wishers and most distinguished contributors. Right from the beginning he evinced keen interest in the progress of the journal as well as in Sri Ramakotiswara Rau, its Founder Editor.
The world at large knows only of his vast erudition, his crystal-clear thinking, razor-sharp intellect, his dialectical skill, and his luminous wit and humour. But those with intimate personal acquaintance with him would tell us of his broad sympathies and his inner sensitiveness hiding behind a crust of cynicism, which he put on like a protection coat of mail.
Leaders and intellectuals all over the world have paid glowing tributes to him as “one of the makers of new India, a sincere patriot, a man whose penetrating intellect and moral sense added depth to national affairs.” He held the highest of positions in the land and lent distinction to every office he held.
“Rajaji, whatever his politics, will live in history as a great patriot, scholar and thinker”, and he will be remembered as “one of the great men of our time, whose contributions to history and to Indian nationalism, gigantic as they are, have to be fully known and appreciated hereafter.” He was indeed a far-sighted statesman and a great administrator, the like of whom appears only once for generations.
It is indeed a happy coincidence that the long line of Governors General of India, beginning with Warren Hastings, the first to present the world an English rendering of the Lord’s Song, should have concluded in independent India with Rajaji, its commentator and a living symbol of the Gita ideal of Karmayoga.
Great by the three-fold greatness of age, learning and character, Rajaji attained the Supreme. May his lofty ideals lead us for ever and ever.
–Editor