What Led to the Passing of Esteemed Politician and Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan?

Kohima, Aug 15 (NationPress) A dedicated member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who later emerged as a significant political figure, La. Ganesan, the sitting Governor of Nagaland, passed away in a private hospital located in Chennai on Friday evening. He had been receiving treatment for a serious head injury that he incurred from a fall at his residence in T. Nagar on August 8.

La. Ganesan was born in 1945 into a traditional Brahmin family in the revered temple town of Tanjore, known as the granary of the South and the historical capital of the medieval Cholas.

His early involvement with the RSS nationalist movement began well before his formal education, as his family was already engaged with the organization.

At the tender age of 9, Ganesan faced a major life challenge when his father, Lakshmi Raghava Iyer, a well-respected businessman, passed away. This life event compelled him to secure a government position as a Revenue Settlement Inspector after completing his Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC).

Devoted to his nation, he chose to remain a bachelor throughout his life and embraced the role of a Pracharak within the RSS to serve his country.

Subsequently, after nine years in government service, he resigned to dedicate himself to the welfare of the people through the RSS. During the Emergency in 1975, imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he served as the Chief Organiser in Tamil Nadu and joined the movement aimed at restoring democracy.

Ganesan’s contributions in safeguarding Hindu interests during the Meenakshipuram Conversions and Mandaikkadu communal riots were highly commended by nationalist leaders of that era.

His relentless efforts to foster peace and unity among Hindus in caste-sensitive regions of Tamil Nadu, such as Puliangudi and Ramanathapuram, yielded significant results, promoting harmony among communities.

With a profound understanding of Tamil Nadu's culture, history, and social dynamics, he thrived in public life. Upon his appointment as the Joint State Organiser for Tamil Nadu RSS, he was later tasked with expanding the BJP’s grassroots base in 1991.

He played a crucial role in elevating the party's profile among the populace in Tamil Nadu, holding various positions including Organizing Secretary, National Secretary, and All India Vice President, eventually becoming the State President of Tamil Nadu.

Owing to his unwavering dedication and political acumen, he was nominated as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, serving for a brief period of 18 months.

Since 1991, he was a member of the National Executive Committee of the BJP, consistently participating in all Executive meetings during his tenure.

He was also the editor of the party's Tamil publication, “Ore Naadu” (One Nation), and contributed articles to various mainstream magazines. Additionally, he founded “Pottramarai” (Golden Lotus), an organization dedicated to promoting Tamil scholars globally.

For over 15 years, “Pottramarai” has recognized and encouraged Tamil scholars, artists, and musicians. Well-traveled across the country, La. Ganesan was fluent in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, English, Telugu, and Malayalam.

He had a talent for composing lyrics on various subjects, particularly focusing on themes of patriotism and national unity, and was known for his singing, with many of his songs resonating within the RSS and BJP.

The essence of La Ganesan can be captured in his simplicity, honesty, humility, benevolence, and patriotism. A gifted orator with a knack for humor, he was held in high regard by senior politicians, bureaucrats, and business leaders across India.

In recognition of his contributions to the nation, La. Ganesan was appointed as the Governor of Manipur by the President of India, serving from August 27, 2021 to February 19, 2023, and also held additional responsibility as the Governor of West Bengal from July 18, 2022 to November 17, 2022.

He actively engaged with the communities in Manipur, traveling to various district headquarters and sub-divisional offices. La Ganesan took the oath as the Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023.