I'm filled with great regret today. Why did I not keep that notebook carefully? The notebook in which former Prime Minister VP Singh had himself penned down an account of a meeting with M Karunanidhi.
A leisurely meeting between two leaders. No heavy political discussion, but an interesting insight into the amount of hard work these politicians put in, the kind of conversations they have, and what keeps them perpetually energetic.
The incident happened a very long time ago, and hence, I do not remember the day and date clearly. However, I remember the year. It was in 1988. VP Singh had started Jan Morcha and was rallying all across the country. He, along with Arun Nehru, Vidya Charan Shukla and KP Unnikrishnan, travelled around Kerala and returned to Chennai.
Before returning to Delhi, the leader went to meet Karunanidhi. I was covering his rally, and because this meeting was on a personal level, neither the politicians nor their supporters heeded my presence. Murasoli Maran was also present there. The place was alight with casual conversation.
Singh spoke about his Kerala tour, rallies, and how exhausted he felt. He asked me for my notebook and noted down the kilometres, the rallies, the immensity of the crowd, the reaction he received, and the little sleep he’d had.
In response to Singh, Karunanidhi talked about his travels. Singh, then, added the extra distance that he had travelled before and after the specific week he had been talking about. Finally, they concluded that Karunanidhi had travelled more than Singh, had been a part of more rallies and had slept for fewer hours.
They asked each other’s age. Singh was 58 and Karunanidhi was 65. Thus, Singh declared that Karunanidhi was seven years older yet more active. He also mentioned that he had heard multiple accounts of Karunanidhi’s incredible oratory skills.
While the two leaders also discussed Jan Morcha and the political environment of the country, they spent more time enjoying South Indian coffee and discussing everyday things.
A conversation between two big leaders was recorded in my notebook by one of them. It was obvious that I wanted there autographs. In fact, they had even signed on a page. I should have really held on to that notebook.
This incident, which had occurred 29 years ago, just came flowing back to me when I heard about Karunanidhi's demise. Their friendship bloomed, and bond thickened. There was only a pause in the last few years.
Everyday, we debate and discuss about politicians. However, the fact remains that Indian politicians are the most hardworking in world. At an age when lesser mortals like us retire, they touch their prime.
(Translation by Mekhala Saran. This piece was originally published on Hindi Quint.)
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