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 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)