A foreward by Rameshwari Nehru to a book by Y. G.
Krishnamurthy
Amongst the close associates of Mahatma
Gandhi, there are indeed few who are faithful to his teachings and who live the
life he wanted us to live. Gandhiji’s ideals were so high and living upto them
so difficult that the fact that there are so few who can reach any where near
that ideal is not surprising. Rajindra Babu is one of those very few bright
stars who have gone nearest to that ideal.
Early
in life he came into contact with Mahatma Gandhi. His earnest soul was touched
by his life and ideals his generous nature responded quickly, he gave up his
Work as a Prof. in a Patna College and joined Gandhiji in his work for the
workers of the plantations of Champaran Distt. Since then, he has become a
staunch follower of Gandhiji and in obedience to his behest has served, suffered
and sacrificed for the country. His grim determination gave him strength to
conquer all obstacles and endure all hardships which came in his way. He has
never wavered in the discharge of his duty by the country nor flinched from the
sacrifices it involved whenever a call came. He laboured and suffered and used
his great scholarly knowledge and wisdom for the service of the people. The
greatness he has achieved in the estimation of the people is not due only to
the services he has performed. The outstanding excellence of his character and
his noble qualities have won the heart of millions.
His
love for truth is exemplary. He not only speaks the truth but lives it.
Whatever he believes in he practices. His Ahimsa is of a very high order. It is
positive. He not only abstains from doing harm to anybody, but positively loves
every one. He radiates love and is tender like a woman. He is courteous to the
core and humble and unassuming. He is a great Scholar. He knows many languages
and sciences and yet speaks and behaves as a simple common villager. His
language is understood and appreciated even by the uneducated and hence his
popularity amongst the general public. He is equally appreciated by the
intellectuals as they know he is learned and rely on his advice and guidance.
He carried out his duties as a soldier and servant of the country, as its
leader, as the President of the Indian National Congress, as a Minister of the
State and as the President of the Constituent Assembly with equal skill. His
mode of dress and his way of eating and living is simple like that of a
peasant. It is a great pity that of late he has lost his health. He suffers
from Asthma, but inspite of weak health, he goes on working and serving. May he
be blessed with long life and health to serve the people with his great talent
and high qualities is the earnest prayer of millions.
(Mrs. Rameshwari Nehru)
New Delhi
8th
October 49
Source: Rameshwari Nehru Papers, MSS, NMML
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