From a Former Chief of the Indian Navy, Admiral Ramdas to Rahul Gandhi

Admiral Laxinarayan Ramdas, the oldest living former Chief of the Naval Staff from 1990-1993, responded to discussions among citizens on invitations to join the Bharat Jodo Yatra launched by Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi. Having lived in Delhi, in those “terrible years before partition” as he recalls, he witnessed first-hand the trauma of hate and communal violence that overtook us. 

He wrote this letter to Rahul Gandhi last month, in response to some interaction with many civil society groups and individuals with respect to an invitation to join the BJY (Bharat Jodo Yatra) initiative and has shared this publicly on the eve of Diwali. 

He writes on how countless Indians have welcomed the “focus, thrust and message being sent forth as a necessary and timely one...where the politics of hate and divisiveness must be countered with those of love, hope and Fraternity....indeed our Constitutional vision..” behind the Yatra. 

The letter to Rahul Gandhi, written in his individual capacity, reflects his “deeply held belief and perspective about what is the spirit and essence of our land and her diverse people, faiths, cultures communities, histories and unique heritage. It is this that we are seeking to revive and strengthen by being part of this unique pad yatra.”

Admiral Ramdas, or Ramu as he is fondly calls writes on behalf of himself and his life partner, Lolly : 

“This is why both of us, Lolly and I, are hoping to join the yatra, even if for a short while, as it transits Hyderabad next week. We have been following with interest the tremendous response, support, excitement and hope that the yatra has generated as it has made its way across five states so far. The prospect of being out on the street and in touch with people, after a long time, is definitely helping the feel good factor!” 

In the letter (full text below) Admiral Ramdas vividly recalls every word of the Tryst with Destiny speech made by Rahul Gandhi’s great grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru, on that midnight of August 14-15, 1947. He was fourteen at the time and “with fire in my belly, joined the newly independent armed forces, determined to serve and protect our hard won democracy and freedom – with ‘fraternity’ being the defining vision of the new India.”

That India stood for equality, pluralism, diversity and social justice! 

Here is the text of the letter: 

Admiral L Ramdas
PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM
Former Chief of the Naval Staff
Magsaysay Award for Peace
Father Staines Award for Communal harmony Govt: of Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar

Dear Shri Rahul Gandhi,

Bharat Jodo Yatra

First, allow me to introduce myself.

Lara-Ramu Farm Bhaimala
P.O. Kamarle Alibag-402209 Dist: Raigad Maharashtra

26 Sep 2022

I am Admiral Ramdas, the oldest living former Chief of the Naval Staff [ 1990-1993].

I lived in Delhi in those terrible years before partition – and have witnessed at first hand the trauma of communal hate and senseless violence that overtook us.

I vividly recall every word of the Tryst with Destiny speech made by your great grandfather on that midnight of 14/15th August 1947. I was fourteen and
with fire in my belly, and joined the newly independent armed forces, determined to serve and protect our hard won democracy and freedom – with ‘fraternity’ being the defining vision of the new India.

Alas, much water has flown down the Ganga since then and today we find ourselves struggling to reclaim our democracy in an increasingly polarized scenario.

The current initiative of the Bharat Jodo Yatra is very timely and much needed. Hopefully we will join hands across party affiliations and reach out with the all-important message of saying NO to hate and YES to love and peace and Fraternity.

Had I been younger and fitter, I would have walked beside you and persuaded many others of the veterans’ community to do likewise. Alas my health does not permit, so will have to be content by following you from afar.

As we approach Gandhi Jayanti on Oct 2 – it is especially appropriate that the tried and tested forms of nonviolent direct action like the traditional Pada Yatra that Gandhiji revived and used with such effect to confront, challenge, and conquer colonial and imperial power, should once again become the chosen method of direct mass contact.

Wishing all success and more power to all who walk together in the Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY).

May this movement serve to revive our democratic values, bring the Public back into the Republic, and above all to breathe new life and meaning into one of our revered ancient principles, of which our nation has always been so proud – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam’

Laxminarayan [Ramu] Ramdas

Just

Ramu - with Lolly [without whom I would not be able to undertake such a venture!]