My Days with Deendayalji
By Ganga Prasad

My association with honourable Pandit Deendayalji Upadhyay was for a relatively short period. Having been associated with Sangh and Jan Sangh since adolescence, I was an active worker of Jan Sangh branch in Patna district. In 1965, the party organised a public meeting for Pandit Deendayalji at Danapur Nagar in Patna district. All of us party workers were involved in the publicity and organization for the public meeting.
Even though there wasn't much awareness amongst ordinary people about Panditji, yet the cultured intellectuals of Danapur were present in large numbers. The meeting was organized fairly well and we waited with garlands near the dais. Right on time, a car arrived and a man wearing simple dhoti-kurta stepped out. His honest face looked radiant, and his intelligent eyes were twinkling with amusement at the eagerness of young workers to honour him.

As everyone rushed to garland him, I stood staring, unable to speak. I was struck by his simplicity and accessibility. There were no airs about him. I stood for such a long time, that the garland slipped from my fingers by the time Panditji reached my spot. He noticed my speechlessness, laughed gently and murmured words of encouragement. The meeting was a huge success. Deendayalji words of wisdom left a deep impression on the people and won valuable support during the elections.

Over time, his personality and words had a profound effect on me to such an extent that I took an oath. I vowed to make the India of his dreams a reality, and spread his thoughts among the people. I am still committed to that mission today.

In the 1967 Assembly elections, I was nominated as the Jan Sangh candidate from Danapur. In those days I used to campaign on a cycle. When people would ask which party I represented, I would always reply, "the Jan Sangh whose leaders are Atalji and Deendayalji".

In 1967, there was an RSS programme in Patna's Arya Kanya Vidyalaya in Bankipur. Panditji arrived with Honourable Bala Saheb Devrasji, Respected Shri Om Prakash Tyagiji and other officials of the Sangh. At that time Panditji's conduct set an example of a party worker following the philosophy of simple living and high thinking. His sincere character and manner of meeting other party workers impressed itself in their hearts and minds.

If even a small fraction of his simple lifestyle is followed by the politicians of today, India can scale commendable heights of glory. All of us were looking forward to his Patna visit in 1968. We were full of anticipation and excitement at the prospect of his esteemed company and the golden opportunity to receive his wisdom. But alas, it was not destined to be. Cruel fate snatched him away from us and left the people of Bihar without the benefit of guidance. How could those cold-hearted murderers kill a gentle soul, is beyond comprehension.

He may have left us, but his ideology, knowledge and wisdom continue to be our guiding light.