Love is bliss …! – Gopalan Balachandran, IAS

Q: You are having ties with the Tamil associations in both West Bengal and Delhi. Tell us about your connections …

A: There are two Tamil organizations in Kolkata – Bharathi Tamizh Sangam and Kolkata Tamizh Sangam. I had close connection with both these two associations. A Tamil conference in which around 200 Tamil scholars participated was organized by K. S. Manian and M. Narayanaswamy. The food for the scholars was supplied by the Tamilians there. The scholars stayed as guests in their houses too! The Bharathi Tamizh Sangam was asked to vacate the building for the sake of constructing a petrol bunk at the site. I met the building owner who was my friend and spoke to him. He consented and conceded my request and allowed the association to continue there. The Bharathi Tamizh Sangam has acknowledged me as a ‘permanent’ poet. They honored me with a title even after I shifted to Delhi. And, I got the opportunity to work as the personal secretary of Thangabalu and S. R. Balasubramaniam when they were ministers. During that period, I got the opportunity to meet those Tamil scholars who would come to Delhi to meet the ministers. SRB got Rs. 10 lakh as assistance for the construction of Thiruvalluvar Auditorium. I am happy that I was able to help people to the best of my ability during my stint as secretary. A ‘Karutharangam’ in the name ‘‘Tamizh 2010’ was held at the Thiruvalluvar Auditorium in December last year. Former President Abdul Kalam gave a special speech at this program. I got the opportunity to interact with him. We can say that Abdul Kalam has added glory to the office of the President.