Yesterday, following the demise of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a five time chief minister during his political life of 65 years, there arose a conflict between his political party leadership and the government of Tamil Nadu, about his 'resting place'! That was an unfortunate discussion!
Birth and death are two occasions when we share our commonness as humans! They both are solemn occasions, when there is a need for us to feel with one another.
Late Mr. Karunanidhi, was an unusual person who lived for social justice and equitable distribution of resources.
The first time I had an opportunity to meet him personally was on August 15, 1989, at the 'at home' organised by the then Tamil Nadu governor, late Dr P.C.Alexander at Raj Bhavan, Chennai. His political party had won the elections and he was the new chief minister designate. He looked relaxed sitting in a corner, with a few around him. I too joined the group to listen to the conversation. When I reached out to greet him, he stretched out his hand to shake hand. In that brief conversation, he regretfully referred to the hostile relationship he had with CMC Vellore at the time of labour unrest! He wished he had not interfered with the affairs of CMC, Vellore. I was moved to hear him say this apologetically because, he sided the striking employees at the time, as the chief minister of the Tamil Nadu, which led to series of serious adverse events and police action! He turned to me said, ‘People in CMC believe in God. That saved them’!
The second meeting was at the Institute of Neurology, Madras Medical College, Chennai in 1996, when he cane for the anniversary function of the Institute. Late Dr B. Ramamurthi, the founder of the Institute of Neurology referred to him as a 'resource of kindness' true to his name! I was introduced to him as the one who was doing full time research in Neurology, to which he told me that, 'you are doing a good thing by being in a famous institute'!
Both those personal meetings left some impressions of humane and generous attitude he possessed!
There are times, when we feel grateful for the leadership of someone who was outstanding. I feel the same towards, late Mr Karunanidhi!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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