[CRs Ashes Immersed In The Sangam-Times Of India]

Summary

This two-page archival item documents the death and memorial rites of C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) in January 1973. A Times of India news clipping dated 7 January reports that Rajaji’s ashes were immersed in the Sangam at Allahabad amid mantras and the chanting of “Ram Dhun.” It describes the public procession, the attendance of local people, police, and state representatives, and the final immersion by motorboat in the Ganga.

Key points

• The Times of India clipping reports the immersion of Rajaji’s ashes at the Sangam in Allahabad.
• The ceremony included chanting, a flower-decked police van, a public procession, and floral tributes.
• The ashes had been brought from Delhi to the Allahabad Museum so local people could pay their respects.
• Mr. Satyaprakash Malviya is identified as the mayor of Allahabad and is reported to have carried the urn to the riverbank.
• The state government was represented by the Minister for Information and Higher Education, Mr. P. D. Tandon.
• A Swatantra Party letter dated 6 January 1973 requests four copies of Times of India issues covering Rajaji’s hospitalisation and death, for record-keeping and the forthcoming National Convention.