By Dwarkanath Girimaji on his brother Lakshmanarao Girimaji who passed away in Thirthahalli at the age of 97, on Dec 2nd.
There was chaos all over the country during 1946-48. India had just tasted independence. The government at the centre was constantly trying to unify the country. But there were several hurdles. At that time, the Nizams were ruling Hyderabad, presently the Andhra Pradesh. These guys didn’t want to join themselves with the rest of the country. They had full support from the English and the other powers, the result of which was dangerous. There were different kinds of anti-social and anti-national activities prevailing in Hyderabad and similar regions around it. These were followed by protests from local people. The main reason was the evil planning of the English and others who hated our nation.
Though the northern part of the country underwent division, the southern part of the country wasn’t extremely affected. Many other powers who couldn’t tolerate this were trying to disintegrate our country. In this crucial situation, the Nizam government who couldn’t express themselves directly, started the defective system in the state and began terror activities. They were called the ‘Razaakars’. Many patriots, not only in the state, but also from other parts of the country came together to put an end to these terrorists.
Regarding the weapons and other techniques, these patriots were helped from all over the country. The reason why I mentioned this is, many hand bombs were being prepared in Shimoga also, and sent to Hyderabad. These bombs were being prepared under the guidance of Girimaji (Lakshmanrao Girimaji). He had learnt this art in his several years of service in the Army. He’d served in Egypt, Singapore, Osaka and various other African and Asian countries for around 5-6 years, with the British Army, before the ending of Second World war. Though I’ve met and worked with such patriots, I don’t remember if any of them are alive now.
Today, it is time to remember this Girimaji. After that, the Iron Man Patel started an Army movement on the pretext of starting a Police movement and secured Andhra Pradesh for India using his strength and power. But the present generation won’t know any bit about this.
Lakshmanrao Girimaji’s military job also ended in a strange manner. The behavior of the white soldier changed mysteriously after the war. The patriots couldn’t tolerate this. An English officer wrongly said, “You Bloody Indians”, after which the soldiers retaliated and left the army. After that, he lived in Shimoga, and he even refused the job of a policeman. Instead, he went into electrical business with the experience he’d gained in the military, and took the responsibility of his whole family. Though he stayed in Thirthahalli, he was directly responsible for the starting and functioning of many small scale industries in Bangalore, Shimoga etc. He’s been honored several times by the rotary and many other organizations.
Though he hadn’t earned a lot of money, he was loved by all and it’s not necessary to elaborate about his fame and popularity. Such an elderly and great man was once touched by a painful and insulting situation. Several years back, the state government announced that it’d grant pension to the freedom fighters and the veteran soldiers who’d taken part in the Second World war.
But Lakshmanrao Girimaji’s application was rejected and neglected even though he had total eligibility for it! He’d rejected it earlier when the British government had announced a similar programme. But this time, after 50 years, his application, letters were all overlooked and this put him in a state of humiliation and disappointment. This indicates an evil and corrupted of the authorities. But this great man never wished any of these and there was no necessity either.
There’s no need to elaborate further on the several good deeds carried out by him for the people around.
As written by Dwarkanath Girimaji, his brother who always loves and respects him, in Kannada.
And Translated by Nitin, grandson of Dwarkanath Girimaji.
This is Extra Time 