Swami Agnivesh, who
was hospitalized due to liver cirrhosis at the Institute of Liver and Billary
Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi and suffered multiple organ failure, passed away on
Friday 11 September 2020. I had spoken to him on Tuesday.
The 80-year old
former professor of St. Xavier’s College (1963 -69) and a friend of St.
Xavier’s University, Kolkata and a social activist was an advocate for dialogue
between religions. He was involved in various areas of social activism
including campaigns against female feticide and the emancipation of women. He
was a prominent associate of Anna Hazare during the India against Corruption's
campaign in 2011 to implement the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Swamiji delivered the
keynote address on the 15th August 2018 at SXUK to a rapt audience comprising
faculty members, staff and students. His speech was both inspirational and
compassionate underlining the need to serve the underprivileged section of our
community, particularly the children from poverty stricken homes and of course
not to forget the bonded labourers. In fact Swami Agnivesh had undertaken THIS
to be his mission. He worked incessantly in trying to make a difference to the
marginalised sections of our society.
Swami
Agnivesh was truly “ a man for others”…A
sanyasi in the Arya Samaj Order, he stood tall, both on the national and
international stage, as an educationist, a philanthropist, a philosopher, a
spiritualist, most of all as a humanist. The sublime words of Saint Ignatius of
Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order applies to him perfectly… “He was
contemplative in action, finding God in all things”. And also important to me,
Swamiji and I were close associates and friends.
I met Swami Agnivesh
34 years ago in Delhi, although I had heard of him three years prior to that,
while I was a lecturer at St Xavier’s College. He was known for his
revolutionary ideas, oratory skills and the bold stand he often took for the
liberation of the disadvantaged people.
A 14 year old Sri Lankan
girl had been arrested for unlawfully entering India. She was housed in Tihar
Jail in 1987. My Sri Lankan friends had requested for my help for the child. I
met Swami Agnivesh seeking his guidance and advice.
Both Swamiji and I
were at the court when the case came up, we modestly sat in the last row. When
the judge entered, he happened to notice Swamiji and questioned his presence.
Swamiji
explained the context and that
he hoped for the smooth release of the minor.
Since then our
friendship blossomed we worked on several issues, social and religious.
Thereafter I often invited him to visit
Xavier institutions be it the Jesuit College of theology in Delhi, Vidyajothi,
St Xavier’s College or St Xavier’s University, Kolkata. He also figures amongst
one of the most notable and prominent former faculty members of the St Xavier’s
College.
Vepa Syam Rao was
born into a Brahmin upper caste Telugu family. He completed his Masters from
Calcutta University and taught at St Xavier’s College, Kolkata from 1963 to
1969. At 24 young Rao was inquisitive and curious to know the inner workings of
the Belgian Jesuits. One day he sneaked into the Jesuit residence known as
cloister and peeped in. The austerity and simplicity of the Jesuit living
quarters astounded him ….Only a table, two chairs, a bed and a wooden almirah.
It was unbelievable…
‘The Jesuits lived a life of high thinking and simple living,’ this made a deep
impact on him. While coming out of the Jesuit cloister Rao met a senior Belgian
Jesuit in the corridor. He asked the priest as to what had motivated him to
come to the distant shores of India leaving behind his home and the comforts he
had had there.
The Jesuit answered
him…. ‘I am here like my fellow Jesuit Fathers. Our mission is to serve the
people of India, particularly of Bengal, mainly to impart quality education to
Indian students; this is the humble contribution we hope to make.’
Swamiji was deeply
impressed and he has often reiterated that this response by the Jesuit priest
had an influence his future life and missionary zeal. He said, ‘it made me
ponder. What is MY mission for India?
Swamiji has always
stressed his strong faith in spirituality. He insisted that spirituality ought
to be social spirituality. This spirituality should not be an individualistic
or escapist type. He insisted that it should be one that would keep the
interest of the society intact; which would depend on the respect for
individual interest.
These are
inextricably linked. They are complimentary…religion must be a thrust for
social awakening and revolution. Swamji has written a number of books on this
subject to promote and share his views and ideas.
Swamiji was a bridge
between religions, respecting the differences…. ‘Do unto others as you would
have others do unto you,’ was his golden rule. He further advocated, if we want
life, let us give life to others; if we want opportunities, let us provide
these opportunities to others.
God’s
love is the same for all, no matter what one’s religion or nationality is.’ He
was against the throw away culture, where people not only throw junk but also
the poor, the refugees and the downtrodden. He promoted through his work an
education in fraternity for real solidarity. This in fact was the essence of
Swamiji’s conviction and work.
Swamiji was termed as
anti-national, Christian sympathizer. It is forgotten that he believes the
world is one family….’Vasudhaiva kutumbakum’. God enjoins us stay united as one
family. Swamiji was a messenger of God. He was a giant among men. India is
blessed to have him.
He was a relentless
fighter for the downtrodden
not caring
for personal attacks or even results… just fight till
something
positive emerges was his firm belief. As Shakespeare said, reiterated by
Justice V.R Krishna Iyer…. ‘What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason,
how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable, in
action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god, never at rest but
ever in meditative communication with God.’
Swamiji was diamond
hard in his convictions, honeybee in his sweet collectivism for all suffering
humans, a defender of the constitution and a humanist, aware of the religious
pluralism of Bharat. Anything that might destroy the fabric of this country or
threaten its development was the recipient of his ire.
Swami Agnivesh was
indeed a man among men….A prophet for all seasons on the side of truth and
justice with a deep seated spiritual perspective. A true inspiration.
A Karma Yogi, Champion of the socially
challenged …..A true Arya Samaji. May his soul rest in peace.
(Published
on 14th September 2020, Volume XXXII, Issue 38)
