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The year was 1990, the place was the State Government Guest House Lucknow – where he would stay in all that symbolised humility, simplicity and minimalism –  and the time, in the afternoon when I had the absolute undeniable privilege of meeting our former Prime Minister of India, the giant of Indian politics respected Atalji. I had gone to meet him with my elder brother, and the ‘immovable’ ATAL memory of a young IAS officer, barely 10 years in service in Tamil Nadu, is still as fresh as the shattering news of yesterday and the cremation this evening.

As a student I had listened to Atalji speak in the rallies in Begum Hazrat Mahal Park Lucknow, from a distance as experience dawned that for a closer position one had to reach the venue at least an hour in advance – the ground would fill up in silent anticipation of listening to the best. People from all walks of life, all communities, religions, men, women, students everyone would just be drawn to the venue like one would go to meet a messiah! And then Atalji would start and a hush descend – no one wanting to miss the pearls being scattered in the air of the night. One, two three hours at a stretch without a word of malice, bitterness, comic, non-secular innuendos just pure poetry in words on his thoughts for what was uppermost in his mind then and till the end – the people and the land India.

Face to face was awe inspiring. I remember, after being introduced, with a twinkle in his eye and a wisp of a smile he asked me whether I would like to come back to UP and Lucknow and when I requested to continue he mused that Tamil Nadu was different, good and well organised for the services – ‘alagh hai, achcha hai’. After a brief time I touched his feet and took his leave and blessings.

Today Atalji may have physically gone, but in spirit will live on in the hearts and souls of all of us who believe in an India ‘where the mind is without fear’ from all that we are afraid of today. You are truly ‘immovable’ in us – the people of India and we will miss you forever!

– Vivek Harinarain IAS (R)