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In Memory of Sir M. Visvesvaraya

By Prakash Subbarao

Today (15th September) is the birthday of this very great person.

I won't write anything about him; there are thousands of articles that fully satisfy one's quest for information about this great soul. I will, instead, write about how he touched me personally.

Many years ago, my mother wanted to visit an old friend of hers and I took her to the lady's house, which was just off Museum Road. When we were introduced, I came to know that she was the daughter-in-law of Sir M.V.'s brother!

She regaled us with memories of the great man and invited us to his museum, which she maintains, at Mudenhalli.  She stressed that a visit on his birthday would be appropriate. Accordingly, the next time that September 15th rolled around, (it was in 2005 or 2006) we decided to visit.

When we reached there we were first invited to visit his family temple. In that temple, I was shown a large stone on which an Indian God has been carved. he story goes that Sir M.V.'s mother discovered the stone one day, when she was returning home by a bullock cart; she noticed it lying in a field at the edge of the road. A few days later, she found the stone still there. After several trips past the stone, she stopped the bullock cart and asked the villagers about it. None of the villagers had any idea about the stone. The stone was taken to her house and this temple constructed. The stone may be seen in the temple.

We later visited his beautiful samadhi (memorial) which was bedecked with flowers before returning to Bangalore.

About a year later, a journalist friend of mine mentioned that he was doing a story on Sir M. Visvesvaraya. I told him about my knowing his brother's daughter-in-law and agreed to take him there.

When we reached the house, she was out but her son was at home. He enthusiastically filled my journalist friend with interesting information about Sir M.V. He also brought out the great mans belongings amongst which were the Bharat Ratna.

I count myself as one of the miniscule minority of Indians who have handled a Bharat Ratna.

When I opened the case in which it was housed and took it out, a strange thrill shot through me. Here I was, holding the Bharat Ratna of one of the greatest Indians! It was quite a humbling experience.

Another interesting medal that I handled was the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire, which he also received.

Today, many years after the above happened, my memory was jogged and I decided to pen these few lines in memory of the great Sir. M.V.

 

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