A Saint in the Marketplace: A Verbal Tribute to Nadoja S. R. Ramaswamy

A Saint in the Marketplace: A Verbal Tribute to Nadoja S. R. Ramaswamy

Bengaluru, May 1: A verbal tribute program (Nudinamana) for the veteran intellectual, Nadoja S. R. Ramaswamy, who recently passed away on April 10, was organized jointly by the Rashtrotthana Parishat and the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs at Keshavashilpa.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries, including:

• Senior scholar, researcher, and author Dr. T. V. Venkatachala Sastry

• Versatile scholar Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh

• Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sah-Sarkaryavah (Joint General Secretary) Shri Mukunda C. R.

• President of Rashtrotthana Parishat Shri M. P. Kumar

• Honorary Secretary of Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs, Shri V. Nagaraj

On this occasion, Ramaswamy’s final work, Itihasada Seragu: Paramarsha Prabhandhagalu (The Edge of History: Analytical Essays), was released to the public.

Reminiscences by the Dignitaries

Dr. T. V. Venkatachala Sastry

Speaking at the event, Dr. T. V. Venkatachala Sastry said:
“I was introduced to the soft-spoken, measured, and gentle S. R. Ramaswamy in 1972. Since then, I became an admirer of his. The volume of literature Ramaswamy created is monumental. Renowned novelist Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa had aptly described him as ‘a saint within the marketplace.’ With a personality of immense depth and breadth, Ramaswamy was one of the nation’s greatest intellectuals.”

He further added, “It is rare to find an honest person of such towering stature as Ramaswamy. He not only became great in the company of great people but also elevated everyone he knew. Looking at Ramaswamy reminds us that the contribution of intellectuals is vital for the progress of society. S.R.R., who used to describe his work as an ‘association with classical literature,’ often said, ‘I am happy having given whatever I could to society.’ He observed the world with a detached mind and absorbed it completely. He lived exactly how one ought to live. He came like the wind and left just as quietly.”

Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh

Sharing his thoughts, Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh remarked, “If a good deed needed to be done, it did not matter to him whether he did it or someone else did. He would provide complete assistance to others in their writing without ever taking credit. If he ever had to mention it, he would casually say, ‘I also had a hand in the cooking,’ or ‘it came from our tiffin box.’ He provided opportunities for journalists like M. B. Haryadi to write continuously in the Utthana magazine. He did all this during an era when resources weren’t as easily available as they are today. Despite being deeply involved in public life, he remained detached.

Just as he possessed immense patience regarding world affairs, he also had a phenomenal memory. Even when his health failed him, he would write extensive articles relying solely on his memory. Ramaswamy, who never showed even a trace of neglect toward others, wore Khadi like a sacred vow. Showing unconditional love without expectations, he was like D. V. Gundappa (DVG) in efficiency and honesty, but perhaps a bit more stubborn than DVG.

One wonders how he managed to learn languages like German and French! His linguistic scholarship was unparalleled, and he used words with utmost grammatical precision and care. Though DVG founded the Gokhale Institute, it was Ramaswamy who nurtured it without altering its core philosophy even slightly. Though he didn’t even own a cell phone, he utilized technology wherever it was genuinely beneficial. The sculptor who made DVG’s statue had reportedly studied DVG for 8 to 10 months; it was Ramaswamy who had scouted such meticulous talent. Embodying DVG’s words ‘Niddeyole saavu pade’ (attain death in sleep), he passed away peacefully in his sleep without any attachments or agitation.”

Shri C. R. Mukunda

Reminiscing about his time with the late intellectual, Shri C. R. Mukunda noted: “Initially, I only knew Ramaswamy as a Swayamsevak (volunteer) and was unaware of his depth as a thinker. When I approached him for a photograph of Sediyapu Krishna Bhatta for the Aseema magazine, he painted a vivid character sketch of Krishna Bhatta for me. Aside from his work with the Sangh, he was a treasure trove of external information and had a knack for kindling a taste for literature in others. As an ideal Swayamsevak, Ramaswamy offered all kinds of background support, right from planning (Ranaveelya) to publishing books for the Sangh, even if the books carried someone else’s name as the author. Speaking about Osho, Ramaswamy had observed that he was an original thinker and that many spiritual leaders who followed merely copied him. Along with global affairs, he was also deeply knowledgeable about photography.”

Shri Shivaswamy (Relative)

Shri Shivaswamy, a relative of Ramaswamy, shared personal memories: “While having morning coffee, he would share detailed information about the birds visible from the balcony—their colors, sizes, species, and population trends. He would check on the problems faced by the newspaper delivery boy and offer solutions. He would insist on buying vegetables only from the local vendor’s cart near the house, and if any vegetables or groceries were running low at home, he would quietly bring and stock them.

Though we had little idea about the vast scope of his professional work, discovering it occasionally would leave us amazed. Just as he would bring books loved by young children, he would also fetch books on sports that we liked. If he brought something for someone, he would never rest until it was delivered. He always figured out what someone needed and brought it for them, yet he never spoke about himself. The home feels orphaned after losing him.”