Menu
Revered Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj - by Dr. Gunasagaran Gounder
Revered Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj
By Dr. Gunasagaran Gounder
I have been invited to write on the Life of Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj for a long time by a revered teacher and retired former Principal of Shri Vivekananda High School, Mr. B.G. Pillai. His reason for asking me to do so was, I presume, because I was one of principal medical attendants of late Swamiji during his last days in this world. But I kept on putting off this exercise under one pretext or the other. One of the reasons was my utterly busy schedules as a Member of Parliament and that left me precious little time to ponder on Swamiji’s life. Secondly, probably more importantly, I guess my limited close contact with the great soul during his prime period of service to community and the young nation of Fiji. My close association with Ramakrishna Math and Mission and the Monks was much later when Swamiji was more or less semi-retired from active public life. So much so, what I know about his life is learnt through accounts of others who were closely associated with him and what I have read in the media and other sources. Therefore I always had this fear and reservation deep inside me that I may not be able to do justice in my write-up on this great and larger than life personality. It could appear as a disservice to the great achievements of late Swamiji Maharaj. Now that I am out of active Parliamentary work after the 5th December 2006 coup and another request from Mr. B.G. Pillai, I decided to put to pen my thoughts on Rev. Swamiji Maharaj. But I must state very clearly and candidly it would be next to impossible for ordinary householder writers like me to capture all the nuances, sensitivities, thoughts, deeds, struggles, sacrifices, pain and sufferings, spiritual strengths of late Swamiji Maharaj’s lifetime accomplishments for the community, nation and for himself as a selfless monk of the order of Ramakrishna Mission.
So what follows will be my humble opinions and interpretations from my analysis of limited information available of Swamiji’s life and work.
My First Impressions
I remember seeing Swamiji for the very first time when I was in the early years of Primary School at Uciwai Sangam School. Swamji had come to our home in possibly a Landrover with his close associate, late Mr. A. S. Pillai as part of his regular visits to the farming community. I cannot remember the year but it could be in 1950’s.
There was also a framed photograph of Rev. Swamiji in a sitting pose; body fully draped in his usual monks saffron clothes at home.
My grandfather, late Ram Swamy Gounder and my great-grandfather, late Ratan Swamy Chettiar, both Girmitiyas, like many others of their lot, were great admirers and followers of Swamiji. They had complete faith in Swamiji. So much so whatever little money my grandfather had was left with Swamiji for safekeeping. He could draw from it whenever he needed funds for his personal and household use. He would also make some contribution towards the Ashrama and Sangam. This was the case with many other Girmitiyas in those days, as they looked upto Swamiji for help and guidance and as their saviour in those difficult and dark days.
Later on when I joined Shri Vivekananda High School I saw more of Swamiji during his school visits and addresses to the assembly.
We were simply awe-struck by his personality then.
Much later, I came closer to the Mission through the efforts of Rev. Swami Damodaranandaji Maharaj. With this association with the Mission and its activities I had the opportunity to interact with Swami Rudranandaji more often and see him from close quarters. From time to time I was privileged to be called to provide him with my professional service by Swami Damodaranandaji.
Life of Service
Since his arrival into Fiji in 1939 till his Mahasamadhi in 1985, Swamiji immersed himself totally and selflessly in the service of the poor and disadvantaged. So much so his life and work had many facets and dimensions and has impacted the lives of hundreds and thousands of citizens, indeed the nation as a whole.
With the passage of time Swamiji’s immense contributions at such a pivotal point in our history makes it more meaningful and at times even unbelievable.
Swamiji was well and truly inspired by Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi and dedicated his life to the service of the poor. This is vividly reflected in his work and accomplishments. Thus began his life of abnegation and care for the needy.
Swami Vivekananda said – “As you have come into this world, leave some mark behind.” Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj has left indelible mark behind in the history of Fiji. He has left behind huge footprints in the sands of time for posterity and to inspire many others.
He was involved in the social upliftment and emancipation of Sugarcane farmers and was actively involved in the Sugar Industry itself with its Reform Programmes etc. The mighty C.S.R in those days was ruthlessly exploiting the poor farmers. The farmers struggle against the C.S.R was an epic battle and Swamiji was championing their cause.
The Education sector and its development were also very close to his heart. Same applies to Religious / Cultural development. With the help of Sangam and its founder and life-long President, late Sevaka Ratnam Sadhu Kuppuswamy, he put up schools and temples in many rural settlements for he knew “knowledge is power”.
Swamiji was also a teacher and took classes at Shri Vivekananda High School when there was teacher shortage in the early days. He was of course well-known for his simple and yet effective Religious discourses at the Ashrama and various temples around the country.
Swamiji’s involvement and contribution in the Political evolution of Fiji is also immense and well recognized.
Religion and Politics do not mix, as conservatives of the past would say. But these days there is a paradigm shift with religious leaders butting heads and throwing themselves into active politics and elections melee.
Our Swamiji had little choice under the prevailing circumstances then in Fiji and his close association with Late Mr. A.D. Patel. He definitely had a clout in politics without active participation. Swamiji wielded immense power in the affairs of Federation Party which represented migrant Indians and National Politics in general. I remember a visit by a group of N.F.P Political leaders paying a courtesy call on Swamiji on a Sunday during the late stages of the days’ Satsanga programme sometimes in 1982. They had come from a party meeting in Nadi. I noted the deference and reverence with which they approached and interacted with Swamiji. There are stories galore about his influence in national politics as well as sugar politics.
Swamiji, in my humble opinion, did not involve himself in active partisan politics. That is why all leaders including his detractors had immense respect for him. Swamiji could communicate and work with leaders from the opposite side of the political divide. He could command respect and maintain a cordial relationship with great indigenous leaders like Ratu Sir K.K.T. Mara, who later assisted in his projects like Nawaicoba Rural Development Centre.
Visionary
Swamiji was a visionary leader and was gifted in this area. His vision into the future saw him start Shri Vivekananda High School with many other schools and temples around the country. He bought so many parcels of land and this was not appreciated then by many of his associates. Today they have paid
Rich dividends and are used for very good purposes. Swamiji also knew and appreciated the power and influence of news media. To keep the community informed he started newspapers in the three languages - Hindi, English and Fijian. His publications may have ceased after some years but subsequent years saw newspapers in all three languages.
Opening a new Tertiary Education centre in 1963 at Tailevu on a one thousand acre leased land was another first. Of course it gave impetus for quick action by the Government to start the University of South Pacific. Demand for places at our institution dropped and had to be closed for many years. But now we have the Ramakrishna Mission Primary School at the same site providing quality education to a remote and poor rural community. The school is progressing leaps and bounds since it started in1994. Today we have two hundred and twenty children with nine teachers. With new classrooms under construction with the help of Japanese Government the roll is expected to go up next year. A noteworthy feature of this school is that eighty percent of the roll is poor indigenous Fijian students. This dovetails well with the motto of Sri Ramakrishna Mission.
So what follows will be my humble opinions and interpretations from my analysis of limited information available of Swamiji’s life and work.
My First Impressions
I remember seeing Swamiji for the very first time when I was in the early years of Primary School at Uciwai Sangam School. Swamji had come to our home in possibly a Landrover with his close associate, late Mr. A. S. Pillai as part of his regular visits to the farming community. I cannot remember the year but it could be in 1950’s.
There was also a framed photograph of Rev. Swamiji in a sitting pose; body fully draped in his usual monks saffron clothes at home.
My grandfather, late Ram Swamy Gounder and my great-grandfather, late Ratan Swamy Chettiar, both Girmitiyas, like many others of their lot, were great admirers and followers of Swamiji. They had complete faith in Swamiji. So much so whatever little money my grandfather had was left with Swamiji for safekeeping. He could draw from it whenever he needed funds for his personal and household use. He would also make some contribution towards the Ashrama and Sangam. This was the case with many other Girmitiyas in those days, as they looked upto Swamiji for help and guidance and as their saviour in those difficult and dark days.
Later on when I joined Shri Vivekananda High School I saw more of Swamiji during his school visits and addresses to the assembly.
We were simply awe-struck by his personality then.
Much later, I came closer to the Mission through the efforts of Rev. Swami Damodaranandaji Maharaj. With this association with the Mission and its activities I had the opportunity to interact with Swami Rudranandaji more often and see him from close quarters. From time to time I was privileged to be called to provide him with my professional service by Swami Damodaranandaji.
Life of Service
Since his arrival into Fiji in 1939 till his Mahasamadhi in 1985, Swamiji immersed himself totally and selflessly in the service of the poor and disadvantaged. So much so his life and work had many facets and dimensions and has impacted the lives of hundreds and thousands of citizens, indeed the nation as a whole.
With the passage of time Swamiji’s immense contributions at such a pivotal point in our history makes it more meaningful and at times even unbelievable.
Swamiji was well and truly inspired by Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi and dedicated his life to the service of the poor. This is vividly reflected in his work and accomplishments. Thus began his life of abnegation and care for the needy.
Swami Vivekananda said – “As you have come into this world, leave some mark behind.” Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj has left indelible mark behind in the history of Fiji. He has left behind huge footprints in the sands of time for posterity and to inspire many others.
He was involved in the social upliftment and emancipation of Sugarcane farmers and was actively involved in the Sugar Industry itself with its Reform Programmes etc. The mighty C.S.R in those days was ruthlessly exploiting the poor farmers. The farmers struggle against the C.S.R was an epic battle and Swamiji was championing their cause.
The Education sector and its development were also very close to his heart. Same applies to Religious / Cultural development. With the help of Sangam and its founder and life-long President, late Sevaka Ratnam Sadhu Kuppuswamy, he put up schools and temples in many rural settlements for he knew “knowledge is power”.
Swamiji was also a teacher and took classes at Shri Vivekananda High School when there was teacher shortage in the early days. He was of course well-known for his simple and yet effective Religious discourses at the Ashrama and various temples around the country.
Swamiji’s involvement and contribution in the Political evolution of Fiji is also immense and well recognized.
Religion and Politics do not mix, as conservatives of the past would say. But these days there is a paradigm shift with religious leaders butting heads and throwing themselves into active politics and elections melee.
Our Swamiji had little choice under the prevailing circumstances then in Fiji and his close association with Late Mr. A.D. Patel. He definitely had a clout in politics without active participation. Swamiji wielded immense power in the affairs of Federation Party which represented migrant Indians and National Politics in general. I remember a visit by a group of N.F.P Political leaders paying a courtesy call on Swamiji on a Sunday during the late stages of the days’ Satsanga programme sometimes in 1982. They had come from a party meeting in Nadi. I noted the deference and reverence with which they approached and interacted with Swamiji. There are stories galore about his influence in national politics as well as sugar politics.
Swamiji, in my humble opinion, did not involve himself in active partisan politics. That is why all leaders including his detractors had immense respect for him. Swamiji could communicate and work with leaders from the opposite side of the political divide. He could command respect and maintain a cordial relationship with great indigenous leaders like Ratu Sir K.K.T. Mara, who later assisted in his projects like Nawaicoba Rural Development Centre.
Visionary
Swamiji was a visionary leader and was gifted in this area. His vision into the future saw him start Shri Vivekananda High School with many other schools and temples around the country. He bought so many parcels of land and this was not appreciated then by many of his associates. Today they have paid
Rich dividends and are used for very good purposes. Swamiji also knew and appreciated the power and influence of news media. To keep the community informed he started newspapers in the three languages - Hindi, English and Fijian. His publications may have ceased after some years but subsequent years saw newspapers in all three languages.
Opening a new Tertiary Education centre in 1963 at Tailevu on a one thousand acre leased land was another first. Of course it gave impetus for quick action by the Government to start the University of South Pacific. Demand for places at our institution dropped and had to be closed for many years. But now we have the Ramakrishna Mission Primary School at the same site providing quality education to a remote and poor rural community. The school is progressing leaps and bounds since it started in1994. Today we have two hundred and twenty children with nine teachers. With new classrooms under construction with the help of Japanese Government the roll is expected to go up next year. A noteworthy feature of this school is that eighty percent of the roll is poor indigenous Fijian students. This dovetails well with the motto of Sri Ramakrishna Mission.
Swami Vivekananda College
When the original Tertiary Education institution failed there was much criticism. But today it is a matter of pride for the Mission to manage a school in such a remote and economically depressed area.
Another product of Swamiji’s great vision is the Nawaicoba Vocational Centre in Nawaicoba, Nadi. He felt that the community had enough academics and graduates and it was time for a Rural Development Centre. The centre will train students in Agriculture and other trade skills which will help build an all-round nation. The centre started in 1981 with assistance and blessing from Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Government. Within a year or two it was obvious that the centre was unable to sustain itself financially. Swamiji struggled to resource the centre. Resources from the Mission and sister school, Shri Vivekananda High, had to be channelled to sustain the centre. After a few years almost all management committee members of the RamakrishnaMission were convinced that the centre was not viable. It seemed funds were being sunk in a bottomless well. So much so at the Annual General Meeting, possibly of 1984, of Ramakrishna Mission, it was suggested the centre be closed down. Almost all members agreed except for Rev. Swami Rudranandaji who insisted that it should continue. Those days he was unwell and he was very emotional about it. To calm things down and to please Swamiji, a three-member committee was set up to look into the issue. As usual the committee did not meet and never came up with a decision. The centre struggled for a few more years and gradually with the guidance of Rev. Swami Damodaranandaji, the current Principal, Mr. Satish Kumar and assistance from Ministry of Education, it started turning around. Then on it never looked back. Last year the centre celebrated its Silver Jubilee with over one hundred students on the roll despite many other neighbouring schools providing vocational education as well.
Swami Rudrananda Auditorium
The best news for the centre is that the current Interim Minister for Education, Mr. Sukanaivalu, who is a career technical professional (Marine Engineer) is concentrating on Vocational Education as there is a huge shortage of well-qualified Trades personnel in the country. The Ministry is in the process of streamlining Vocational Education. The Minister was very impressed with our centre. For next year the Ministry is choosing only two centres to strengthen and expand vocational courses. In the west it is going to be Nawaicoba Vocational Centre. Vocational courses in high schools are to be toned down and eventually closed down. Government resources for Vocational courses are limited and will be directed to specialized centres like ours. This is a great achievement for the Ramakrishna Mission and thanks to the vision and foresight of Swami Rudranandaji again.
It will not be out of place if we recounted one of the incidents related to the vocational centre, which more than amply illustrates Swamiji’s commitment, dedication, resolve and determination to see this cherished baby of his to succeed. It was way back in 1983 when Swamiji decided to don the role of a watchman at the Nawaicoba Centre when the regular watchman was not on duty. We were being hit by a hurricane that time. Swamiji was concerned about the safety of the assets at the centre and feared burglary. Despite his ill-health he decided to spend the night in an isolated settlement. During the night he accidentally locked himself out of the room when he had gone to the washroom, which was located outdoors. He had to force open the louver blades of the window and climb into the room under such adverse weather conditions. This was no easy task for a sickly octogenarian monk. That was the character of Swamiji.
It will not be out of place if we recounted one of the incidents related to the vocational centre, which more than amply illustrates Swamiji’s commitment, dedication, resolve and determination to see this cherished baby of his to succeed. It was way back in 1983 when Swamiji decided to don the role of a watchman at the Nawaicoba Centre when the regular watchman was not on duty. We were being hit by a hurricane that time. Swamiji was concerned about the safety of the assets at the centre and feared burglary. Despite his ill-health he decided to spend the night in an isolated settlement. During the night he accidentally locked himself out of the room when he had gone to the washroom, which was located outdoors. He had to force open the louver blades of the window and climb into the room under such adverse weather conditions. This was no easy task for a sickly octogenarian monk. That was the character of Swamiji.
Nawaicoba Vocational Centre
Swamiji was a towering personality, both in physical stature as well as character and was known for his intrepidity. Being man of cloth he was utterly fearless and displayed great courage and fortitude in extremely adverse and threatening situations. He generally prevailed in such circumstances and over adversities. Swamiji could face upto the might of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company and the Colonial Government. Even at the organization level when there was division and infighting he could handle the situation. I was told by one of his active supporters how Swamiji with his strong and tall physique literally bulldozed his way through an unruly, hostile and antagonistic crowd. They could not physically stop him. Swamiji was truly mentally, physically and spiritually strong and iron-willed.
Being a monk, Swamiji possessed gritty integrity. True to his vocation he never flaunted it.
Old Building of the Ramakrishna Mission Primary School, Tailevu
Another characteristic of Swami Rudranandaji was that he was full of love, compassion and benevolence. He has gone out of his way to help so many individuals, irrespective of colour or creed to achieve their ambitions. Those days when there were no local tertiary institutions he helped arrange Universities, especially in India for so many students. Most of them could attain so much in life through his benevolence. There are many who owe their success to Swamiji.
The all conquering power of love is well-known. It is through love and trust one can keep people attracted. Swamiji ran the affairs of the mission and his various activities with love & trust and not through rigid rules and regulations. This accounts for his huge following and success.
With advancing age and health concerns Swamiji gradually scaled down his responsibilities during the last few years of his life. Swami Damodaranandaji took over the day-to-day running of the Ashrama and the schools, thus easing the burden off Swamiji, but he continued his other outside involvements like the Sugar Industry etc.
He remained active as Senior Growers Representative on the Sugar Board till one afternoon he took ill on his return to the Ashrama from a Board meeting. He had lost balance and fell down in the room injuring his head. I was called by Swami Damodaranandaji to attend to him. We attended to his deep scalp cut injury and while doing so tried to explain his health status and the need for him to take rest and withdraw from strenuous activities. Apparently he was convinced and sent in his resignation letter to the Sugar Board the very next day.
Last Days
The last year of his life saw further deterioration in health and needed regular medications and check ups. Being a fiercely independent personality, Swamiji could not have been at ease or comfortable being dependent on others for his basic needs. I am certain he would not have liked to be a burden on the community. His condition worsened and he slowly stopped taking food. We could not convince him to eat. No amount of pleading, coaxing and cajolery by the devotees could succeed. Thereafter it was a rapid downward slide.
Special prayers, bhajans and kirtans were organized by Swami Damodaranandaji and the Ashrama devotees. Regular bedside attendance was organized for his continuous care. Groups of two or three devotees were put on roster duty for certain hours. We had organized round the clock bedside care.
There was no shortage of devotees and volunteers to care for him. As word spread Ashrama was flooded with visitors. Some stayed and served him with devotion; others saw him and left. There were very touching displays of emotions by Swamiji’s followers and devotees.
Medically there was little we could do except trying to readjust his medications. After some days even this could not be done. Ultimately it was only nursing care that we could provide. One of the things we had to do regularly was keep the oral cavity clean with the help of our dentist friend Dr. U.D. Sharma. During the procedure we tried many times to get some water and fluids into him as his tongue, cheeks etc were parched due to dehydration. Despite his serious condition and pain Swamiji would close his mouth tightly and our attempts would go in vain.
During this period many prominent doctors visited Swamiji to give their opinion. There were differing opinions. Majority view was that he should be left alone. When Swamiji was more or less semi-conscious there were some opinions that we should administer intravenous fluids. Swami Damodarananda, as the next head of the mission, very reluctantly agreed for giving intravenous fluids.
I had made the necessary arrangements to set up the drip that fateful night of 30th June 1985. We had arranged for suitably qualified ladies for bedside duty to monitor the intravenous fluids. I was supposed to set up the drip later that evening as I had other commitment before that. Before I could do that I was called to the Ashrama to see Swamiji as his condition got worse. By the time I could get to him he had breathed his last. Even in death he had his way; that was typical Swamiji. I had to certify his passing away and write a report on his mahasamadhi to Mission headquarters in Belur.
Swamiji was given a very good and fitting farewell with glowing eulogies from many prominent individuals representing different sectors including Government, industry leaders, politicians, religious leaders and diplomats like the Indian High Commissioner.
Thousands of people attended his funeral to see their beloved Swamiji one more time and pay their last respects. It was one of the biggest funerals Fiji has seen. Nadi Town had come to a standstill. The passing away of Swamiji marked the end of an era in the history Fiji and the Mission. He has left a huge vacuum in the Mission and community and is next to impossible to fill. Such great monks with such profound influence in almost all spheres of life of a community are very rare to come by.
Conclusion
Sri Ramakrishna Mission as an organization has made a name for itself in Fiji; thanks to Swamiji. Any organization succeeds not because it is big or because it is old, but because there are people in it who live it, sleep it, dream it and build a future for it. Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj did just that.
When one becomes a leader or public figure, one is bound to attract both positive and negative comments as that is the norm. Swamiji had a vast following generally and also a fair share of detractors.
I had also seen the austere life he lived with such bare necessities. He lived in a small poorly ventilated and poorly lighted room with a small table, a chair, a fan and cupboard in which he had just a few changes; his only worldly possessions. Only if resources are converted for personal creature comforts it could be termed misuse. Swamiji did not do that. All he did was redirect resources to other important projects which benefit the organization and the community at large. Those days resources were limited and as such he had little choice. Had he practiced modern management methods like due diligence, financial plans, project plans, feasibility studies etc .before embarking on projects, I am certain he would not have achieved that level of success.
Swami Vivekananda started the mission based on the teachings of his Master, Sri Ramakrishna. He emphasized on service to the poor and disadvantaged. Sri Ramakrishna had asked Mathur Babu - “Feed these poor people, give them clothing and oil, or else I will not proceed to Varanasi for pilgrimage.” Thus began the Religion of Service.
The direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna were also inspired by Swami Vivekananda in the following words “I love you all ever so much, but I would wish to see you all die working for others.” This was precisely embodied in the life of Swami Rudranandaji Maharaj - he lived and died for others.
Through his life of selfless service, Swamiji has left behind a great legacy for us to try and emulate. May the life and accomplishments of this great soul continue to inspire future generations to the service of humanity.
________________________________
Dr Gunasagaran Gounder is a former student of SVHS and is currently a Medical Practitioner; he is a former Member of Parliament, Fiji and served as a Minister in the SDL-Labour Government; he is Vice-President of the Board of Management, Ramakrishna Mission, Fiji; he lives in Nadi.
- Login to post comments
Sponsored by CITY FOREX (FIJI) PTY. LTD
Copyright © 2009 Ramakrishna Mission Fiji. All rights reserved.
Powered by
