Dr. Karuna Thakur
My earliest childhood recollections of veteran journalist- Om Saraf date back to the mid 1960s when a whole generation of my kind was beginning to connect to a world which was rather small : a world of siblings ,parents and a stream of visitors – many of whom brought a flavor of friendly warmth , personal care and vibrance with their presence around . Saraf Sahab was one of them : he stood apart not only because of his towering height , unusual Khadi dress and Gandhi cap , but also because of an aura which lent a distinct touch of larger than life image to his persona. As we were to learn later, he was part of a bigger world of politics of protest and resistance at a critical juncture of state’s history of accession and its aftermath .He was someone who fiercely defended and asserted the freedom of speech and expression and shaped the course of events to establish roots of participatory democracy in the state, which faced serious challenges at that time. Indeed, at a time when space for politics of resistance and opposition was greatly constricted, he led the Praja Parishad movement to represent an alternative discourse, with which my father too became involved. From then on, it was a personal and political bond between the two which lasted till father passed away in 2007. And like all durable relationships which withstand the vagaries of time and space, Saraf sahib’s connection remained embedded in our collective memory even as we got busy to pursue our own life’s journey.
I happened to meet him years later, strolling along seaside Boulevard of Aurbindo Ashram at Pondicherry, accompanied by his wife and daughter. His keen sense of observation and sharp memory seemed amazing as he remembered not only my name but also quite a few other things vividly from the past. Pondicherry was a place he liked to visit because it provided an ideal environment for him to nourish both his soul and intellect. His visits to the place continued even after he lost his wife but later stopped due to health constrains.
A deeper side of Saraf Sahibs’ character came to light when father fell ill. He was one of the rarest few visitors who took a frequent walk from his house to enjoy a cup of tea along his bedside: the two often revisited old times and shared anecdotes which gradually became infrequent and later replaced by quiet silence. This routine continued till father passed away.
I still remember how he resolved my doubt about ego as espoused by the Holy Gita, when I once asked him how one could live life by dissolving ego. Was it not the basic motivational element of human existence in this world? His prompt answer to which was, “You do not dissolve ego, but make it sublime.” Truly his words had the effect of clearing cobwebs about the concept of ego from my imagination forever.
Even in situations which involved personal relationships and emotional costs, he chose to forgive and forget rather than bargain or negotiate, because he placed principles on a higher pedestal rather than short term personal gains. He continues to live an exemplary life of rare honesty, integrity and austerity on the strength of his character and conscience: he stands tall and firm, like a tree deeply rooted in the soil.
His endearing qualities of humility, deep affection and kindness, I believe, in some measure emanate from a spiritual strength, characteristic of people of higher astral order whose magnetic fields and positive energies are hard to miss. But it is a much larger combination of intellectual, spiritual and humanist qualities which in reality defines the character of this extraordinary person.
Indeed it is a great moment for the octogenarian leader -journalist and mover of history who enters the 94th year of a distinguished life’s journey to receive what he truly deserves: best wishes for good health, lasting happiness and fulfillment for many more years to come It is also a befitting occasion to acknowledge with grateful appreciation the undaunted spirit and invaluable contribution of this selfless man to society .
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