Muthusamy Varadarajan,recipient of the French Governments highest civilian award,walks down memory lane Muthusamy Varadarajan has led a distinguished life. No wonder then,that his memory is a treasure trove,exceptional and capable of inspiring. His list of achievements runs long: a career in the civil services,member of the National Minorities Commission,Chairman,National Museum Expert Committee,artistic director of the pioneering son-et-lumiere project at Vivekananda Rock Memorial,Kanyakumari,president of Alliance Française de Delhi (AFD) and now the recipient of the French governments highest civilian award Chevalier de La Legion dHonneur for his contribution to Indo-French co-operation in academic and cultural fields. In Chandigarh on a personal visit,Varadarajan says he is happy about the accolade. You have to make a success of what you have,through commitment,zeal and energy, he says,talking about the philosophy that has guided his life and work. The calls of duty have been severe,handling diverse sectors like district administration,industries,agriculture,handlooms and handicrafts,power generation,health and family planning. But beyond that,it has also given him rare insights into the art and culture of India,as well as to contemporary design. Art and culture are not just excellent mediums of instructions,but help build bridges too,says Varadarajan. As Secretary,Youth Affairs and Sports,he had masterminded Bharatiyam 89when 50,000 children came to Delhi from all over India to mount an inspired presentation of rhythmic gymnastics to celebrate Jawaharlal Nehrus birth centenary. In a span of six weeks,Varadarajan managed to put up a permanent camping facility with hutments,solar heated water and sanitation facilities for 7,500 children,using innovative construction practices and eco-friendly material. I camped there with the children for 21 days,getting renowned people from all walks of life to meet and inspire them. Many of these children are still in touch with me,and I recently attended the wedding of one of them. Despite so much diversity,they were like one family, he recalls. A simple,honest and secular upbringing had made Varadarajan realize the futility of making religion an issue. Post retirement,Varadarajan as a member of the National Minorities Commission initiated innovative policies on safeguarding minorities rights and widening field of opportunities for them. Varadarajans next plan is to open a school for the under-privileged,allowing children to be a part of the mainstream. Hopefully,I will get support from like-minded people,educationists and the government to make it possible, he signs off.
