Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan paid tribute to former Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan at a memorial gathering in Chennai on Sunday, 17 August 2025, marking the first anniversary of the leader's passing. Radhakrishnan also inaugurated the Ala. Ila Trust, a memorial organisation established in Ganesan's honour to preserve his legacy and carry forward his principles of public service.

What the Vice-President Said

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan described Ganesan as a leader whose public life was defined by tireless work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. He said the newly established trust would serve as a living institution through which Ganesan's decades of social and political commitment could continue to shape public life.

Radhakrishnan specifically welcomed the Trust's initiative to provide educational scholarships, calling it a fitting tribute to a leader who remained devoted to public welfare and nation-building throughout his life.

Resistance During the Emergency

Recalling a defining chapter in Ganesan's life, Radhakrishnan noted that during the Emergency of 1975–77, Ganesan had strongly opposed the suspension of democratic freedoms and remained underground for nearly a year. His organisational resolve and determination during that period were, according to Radhakrishnan, extraordinary.

A Life in Public Service

Born in Thanjavur in 1945, Ganesan began his career in the Revenue Department. After nine years in government service, he resigned in 1970 to become a full-time pracharak with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Remaining unmarried, he devoted himself entirely to organisational work across Tamil Nadu.

From the early 1990s, Ganesan played a significant role in building the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) grassroots presence in Tamil Nadu — a state where the party then had limited political foothold. He served in several senior party roles, including State Organising Secretary, National Secretary, National Vice-President, and Tamil Nadu BJP President.

Ganesan entered Parliament as a Rajya Sabha member from Madhya Pradesh in 2016. He was appointed Governor of Manipur in August 2021 and briefly held additional charge of West Bengal in 2022. He assumed office as Governor of Nagaland in February 2023, a position he held until his death in Chennai on 15 August 2025 at the age of 80.

Cultural Contributions and Personal Legacy

Beyond politics and administration, Ganesan was recognised for his deep interest in Tamil language and literature. He founded Pottramarai, an organisation dedicated to encouraging Tamil scholars and promoting literary engagement. Speakers at the memorial remembered his simplicity, discipline, and rare ability to maintain cordial relations across political and regional divides.

With the Ala. Ila Trust now formally inaugurated, those who worked alongside Ganesan say the institution will serve as the primary vehicle for keeping his vision of grassroots service and cultural promotion alive.