443. The Patriarch

In recognition of Chief Manger Rajagopal's long tenure in politics and his stature, he came to be referred to as 'the patriarch' by every one, including his partymen, the public, leaders of other political parties and the media.

Even while assailing the government led by Rajagopal, the leader of the opposition party Chellakkannu would say, "Corruption has become rampant under the patriarch's rule," "people have been subjected to untold suffering by the patriarch" etc, referring to Rajagopal as patriarch, every time. 

The title 'patriarch' came to be attached to Rajagopal, not just for his age and long tenure. In fact, Rajagopal began to be called by this title even in his early fifties, as a mark of respect for his dignified behaviour, civilized speech, mature wisdom and self-effacing humility. Soon, the title 'patriarch' became his identity.

Even his opponents in politics had no reservation about calling him 'patriarch.' They would say, "Though we oppose Mr. Rajagopal politically, we respect him for his exemplary qualities and heartily accept him as 'the patriarch.'"  

In spite of Rajagopal having been respected a lot by every one, he had to contend with both victories and defeats in elections, like any other political leader would.

Rajagopal suddenly became ill and had to undergo intensive medical treatment. With the doctors advising him rest for a long period, Rajagopal resigned as the Chief Minister. Another leader from his party took over as the Chief Minister.

Rajagopal regained his normal health after a few months. But he didn't make any attempt to become the Chief Minister again. 

Rajagopal refrained from actively involving himself in politics and confined himself to his home. Apart from expressing his opinion on some important political developments, he didn't take any active part in politics.

Nambi, who succeeded Rajagopal as the Chief Minister was not keen on consulting Rajagopal or seeking his advice in any matter. In fact, he didn't even bother to make a courtesy call on Rajagopal, a gesture he should have made, considering that Rajagopal was his predecessor and a senior leader. 

When the date for the next election to the state legislature was announced, Rajagopal announced his decision to not contest the election. However, there was an expectation that his party would offer the Chief Minister's post to him, in the event of the party winning the elections, since the incumbent Chief Minister was not very popular among the people.

But Rajagoal's party lost the elections. Chellakkannu's party came to power.

After having been sworn in as the Chief Minister, Chellakkannu went to Rajagopal's house and met him. After coming out of Rajagopal's house, Chellakkannu met the media.

"What was the reason for your meeting Mr. Rajagopal, who belongs to the opposition party? Are there any political reasons behind your move?" asked one reporter.

"There are no political reasons. But there are reasons relating to governance" answered Chellakkannu, cryptically.

"That means?"

"I requested the patriarch to be an honorary advisor to our government and he accepted my request."

"What is the reason for your decision to have a leader belonging to the opposition party as the advisor to your government? You had been critical of him, when he was the Chief Minister!"

"We have not criticized the patriarch. We criticized only the policies of his government. It is with the noble intention that the patriarch's wisdom and experience should be useful to the welfare of our state that we have, transcending political frontiers, sought his counsel. I am hopeful that this decision will help us in our governance as well as in the development of this state" said Chellakkannu.

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 44
Condemnation of Faults

Verse 443 (in Tamil):

ariyavaRRuL ELLAm aridhE periyAraip
pENith thamarAk koLal.

Meaning:

Appreciating noble men and cultivating their association is the best among all fortunes one could have.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'gourava AlOsagar' by the same author.)

Verse 444
Verse 442