N. Nagarajan
Whenever I hear about the death of a good human being, young or old, it leaves a deep ache in my heart. I often wonder why God calls such souls away, and at times, in such cruel and senseless ways. This week brought one such heartbreaking moment from Trichy, where we lost a dear relative who had recently retired from a public sector company.
He was a devout Hindu, not in the performative way so common today, often promoted by politicians and their followers, but most sincerely and humbly. He lived his faith, not just through rituals, but by serving others. Even after retirement, his zeal to help only grew. He supported underprivileged children with their education; one of them, now working in Dubai, immediately flew home upon hearing the devastating news. That gesture alone speaks volumes about the kind of person he was.
As a member of a social organization affiliated with the RSS/Bharat Sevak Samaj, he never showed bias or hatred. He extended his hand to anyone in distress, irrespective of religion or background. Families affected by accidents and other misfortunes often turned to him for help.
At a time when many families struggle to stay united, he stood by his wife, the Officiating Principal of a Government Degree College, with unwavering strength and care. She was just days away from retirement and in the process of handing over charge. An official document for changing the salary signatory had to be collected from the Collectorate—an essential step to ensure the timely disbursement of salaries to the staff of her college. True to his nature, he offered to collect it for her.
Fate played its cruel hand that day. While returning home, he was hit by a state transport bus—his attempt to avoid a reckless biker riding the wrong way ended in tragedy. His helmet and the document bag were thrown safely aside, but he wasn’t so lucky. His head came under the wheels, and a life of quiet service was snatched away in a moment.
The road where he died is in dire need of a proper service lane. It’s a long, bending stretch. Now, the BHEL union and other organizations he was associated have cited his death to demand immediate action from the authorities. Even in death, he served a purpose.
Who is responsible—the State or Central government—for the condition of the Tiruchirappalli–Tanjavur highway is one question. But a more urgent one is this: Why isn’t wrong-side driving in India treated as culpable homicide? Only a few law enforcement agencies take it seriously. That needs to change.
Yet, even in death, he fulfilled his promise. The document—now stained with tears—made its way safely to the college. Salaries will be disbursed on time, just as he wanted.
It breaks my heart that those who live for others often meet such painful ends, while corrupt leaders who flaunt religion for personal gain continue untouched. We must never forget him or others like him—not just for what they did, but for how they lived. Our religion will remain safe not because of those who display it, but because of souls like his.
This is the true representation of Sanatana Dharma.
