Party leaders' homage to Rajaji

Summary

This one-page English PTI news clipping, datelined New Delhi, January 4, 1973, reports tributes paid to the recently deceased C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) at a condolence meeting addressed by leaders of several political parties. Acharya Kripalani described Rajaji as a liberal in the best sense of the term, an embodiment of simple living and high thinking, and a person of universal interests.

The clipping records tributes from leaders across party lines. Congress (O) president Sadiq Ali called Rajaji both a great Indian and a world citizen; Jana Sangh leader Balraj Madhok recalled Rajaji’s 1963 proposal to merge the Jana Sangh and Swatantra parties; Swatantra Party leader Dayabhai Patel praised his simplicity and ideals; and Madhu Dandavate of the Socialist Party described him as a great democrat. The clipping does not identify the newspaper or publication in which the PTI report appeared.

Key points

• The clipping reports a condolence meeting in New Delhi honouring the late C. Rajagopalachari.
• Acharya Kripalani presents Rajaji as a liberal exemplifying simple living and high thinking.
• Sadiq Ali describes Rajaji as both a great Indian and a world citizen.
• Balraj Madhok recalls Rajaji’s 1963 proposal to merge the Jana Sangh and Swatantra parties.
• Dayabhai Patel characterises Rajaji as simple but highly idealistic.
• Madhu Dandavate describes Rajaji as a great democrat.
• The report demonstrates cross-party recognition of Rajaji’s political and democratic stature.