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Vaiko extols virtues of Sarvodhaya leaders

Staff Reporter

Introduces a book on service of Jegannathan and Krishnammal

MADURAI: The life of All-India Sarvodaya leaders Jegannathan and Krishnammal is that of intense struggle against atrocities committed against oppressed section of the society, said Vaiko, General Secretary, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Introducing the book `Puratchiyil Pootha Gandhiya Malargal,' a biographical account of 60 years of yeoman service of Jegannathan and Krishnammal, authored by Solai, here on Thursday, he recalled their continuous effort to curb the menace of shrimp farming and appealed to the public to join them in their noble crusade.

Reminiscing his school days where he picked up oratory skills, he credited the inspiring presence of the couple at a public function for bringing out the best in him.

Lauding their dedicated service, he said their area of service was not confined to their place of birth as they crossed all barriers. They had intensely fought along with Jai Prakash Narayan in restoring land to the landless people in Bihar, he said.

Going through the pages of the book, one could understand the effective role played by the couple in the Bhoodhan Movement of Vinobha Bhave. The brutal killing of innocent youths branding them as Naxalites evoked strong response from the couple and they had voiced against the atrocities committed by the law enforcing agencies in the name of law and order, Mr. Vaiko said.

They were symbol of humanism, as they did what the Red Cross would have done in violence-hit villages, he said. They had crossed many turbulent periods in their life and confidently faced them to protect the interests of fellow people. He also remembered the couple's association with the Mahatma and termed them as ambassadors of peace. Commending their determination to dedicate life to the welfare of the people, he said that they strove hard to establish a violence-free society.

He took pride in introducing the book on the birth date of Swami Vivekananda and said that there could not be a better moment for him to introduce the work and appreciated the effort taken by the author Solai to document all the happenings in an impressive way.

S. Pandian, Secretary, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Kousalya Devi, president, Gandhigram Trust, spoke.

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