The Hindu : A perfect gentleman

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 05, 2004

National

National

A perfect gentleman

By J.L. Gupta

In the demise of Sri Sikander Bhakht, on February 23, the country has lost a patriot and a statesman. I have lost a friend.

I cannot boast of any long association with him. In fact, October 26, 2002, was the first day I had spoken to him, that too on telephone. On the afternoon of November 1, 2002, as Governor of Kerala, he administered to me the oath of office (as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court). Thereafter, we had met on a couple of occasions and even shared a common platform when he visited the Kerala High Court to preside over the Law Day celebrations. On January 19, 2004, we were together for lunch at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. We had parted with a promise to meet again, in Delhi.

Each meeting, though short, is etched in mind and memory. Each one revealed the man. There was affection in his eyes and warmth in his heart. He inspired trust and commanded respect.

He talked of the Bible and Buddhism, quoted from the Gita. He accompanied his wife, a Hindu, to temples. He respected all religions. He practised what others preach. He was truly secular.

Over eight decades and more, Sri Sikander Bhakht had seen life in all its colours. He loved music, recited poetry, was a keen sportsman, played competitive hockey. He held various positions of responsibility, including of Union Minister.

Sri Sikander Bhakht performed his duty and played his role well. To him duty was like a debt. He discharged it without delay or demur. He never bothered about what lay dimly in the distance. He always dealt with what was clearly at hand. The consequences did not deter or divert him.

He received brickbats as well as bouquets. He accepted both gracefully, without any grudge. He was detained during the Emergency for 18 months. The nation had also acknowledged its debt of gratitude to him. In the year 2000, the Padma Vibhushan was conferred on him. But he needed no title. Having performed his duty well, he had every reason to feel happy and satisfied.

He was free from avarice, envy or pride. There was a quiet dignity and majestic elegance about him. He was not hasty in judgment. Nor oppressive or proud in disposition. He was honest in thought and action, incorruptible in the discharge of his duty.

One could say with Mark Antony in Julius Caesar: "His life was gentle, and the elements so mix'd in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world `This was a man!' "

May his soul rest in peace! May his tribe multiply!

(The writer recently retired as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.)

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