Will Nagaland Governor La Ganesan Be Cremated in Chennai Today?

Chennai, Aug 16 (NationPress) The remains of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, who passed away on Independence Day, are set to be cremated in Chennai today. His body, currently at his residence in T. Nagar for public homage, will be honored this afternoon with full respect.

Ganesan, aged 80, breathed his last at 6.23 p.m. on Friday while receiving treatment in a hospital in Chennai.

A seasoned leader with a long-standing affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was recognized for his approachability with journalists and his commitment to providing transparent, on-record statements throughout his career.

Born on February 16, 1945, in Thanjavur, Ganesan came from a traditional Brahmin family deeply rooted in the RSS.

He lost his father at the tender age of nine and began his professional journey as a Revenue Settlement Inspector in government service. Deeply committed to the nationalist movement, he resigned after nine years to become an RSS pracharak.

During the Emergency in 1975, he played a pivotal role as chief organizer of the RSS in Tamil Nadu, spearheading efforts to restore democracy.

He was also actively involved in addressing sensitive matters such as religious conversions in Meenakshipuram, communal unrest in Mandaikkadu, and caste-related tensions in Ramanathapuram and Puliangudi.

In 1991, he joined the BJP to bolster its presence in Tamil Nadu. Rising through the ranks, he served as organizing secretary, national secretary, all-India vice-president, and state president. He represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha and was part of the BJP National Executive.

A multifaceted individual, he edited the party's Tamil publication Ore Naadu and launched Pottramarai, a magazine dedicated to acknowledging Tamil scholars, writers, musicians, and artists.

Fluent in various languages, he was admired for his oratory skills and his talent for composing lyrics centered on patriotism and national integration.

In August 2021, he was appointed as the Governor of Manipur, later taking on the additional responsibility for West Bengal before being assigned to Nagaland in February 2023.

Condolences have been pouring in from across the political spectrum.

President Droupadi Murmu remarked that Ganesan worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people, and his contributions to Tamil Nadu and the nation will be remembered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of a devoted nationalist who dedicated his life to serving and promoting the BJP in Tamil Nadu, while also being deeply passionate about Tamil culture.

Governor RN Ravi recalled Ganesan's lifelong selfless service and humility. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who paid his respects in person, noted his simplicity, calm demeanor, and ability to forge friendships across political divides.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami described him as a friendly leader, while senior BJP leader and former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan stated that his passing on Independence Day was poignant, reflecting his deep patriotism and contributions to Tamil literature.

BJP state president Nainar Nagendran and former state chief K. Annamalai shared their condolences, with Annamalai describing him as a 'simple and profound thinker'.

V.K. Sasikala, a close aide of the late Jayalalithaa, remembered Ganesan's cordial relationships with AIADMK leadership, while AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran praised him as a dignified figure and extended condolences to his family.

Ganesan's departure marks the conclusion of a long and eventful public life grounded in nationalism, politics, and literature.

Leaders and citizens alike remember him as a bridge-builder, scholar, and statesman whose contributions will endure.