NOSTALGIA 9:
LINGAN’S 50TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY TODAY
BY P S SUNDAR
Today marks the 50th demise anniversary of Shri N Lingan. In this context, I recall my two major articles and photos on him as documented in this blog as under:
1. Lingan's contributions recalled with gratitude::
http://pssundarthinktank.blogspot.in/2013/11/nostalgia-3-lingans-contributions.html
2. Re-dedication to follow Lingan's great ideals::
http://pssundarthinktank.blogspot.in/2013/11/nostalgia-4-re-dedication-to-follow.html
Today, my article appears in The New Indian Express with Lingan's photo as a tribute on his 50th demise anniversary. Quite a few summary of earlier tributes as well.
NAME A ROAD AFTER LINGAN
BY P S SUNDAR
Today marks the 50th demise anniversary of N Lingan who did Badaga, the predominant community of Nilgiris, proud by holding several firsts to his credit.
Lingan was born on Nov 13, 1908, and died on Nov 19, 1964.
“In 1933, our father became the first Badaga Lawyer and also subsequently President of Nilgiris Bar Association. He had progressive thoughts on women and so, I became the second Badaga woman to go to University”, Lingan’s eldest daughter Leela Raju (79) said.
“Our father was the first Indian Chairman of Udhagamandalam municipal council (Oct 15, 1947 to May 1, 1955) after Independence. He played key role in establishing Ooty’s new market and many projects but opposed those which injured ecology. In recognition of his services, we have appealed to Government to name a prominent road in Ooty after him”, Lingan’s son L Kannan, General Manager, Fernhill Palace, said.
“Our father was senate member of Madras University and played significant role in Ooty getting the Government Arts College. He was Trustee of Lawley Institute and Assembly Rooms and member of Nilgiri Library – all prestigious institutions of Ooty”, recalled another son Dr Sreedharan.
“Prominent personalities including Lord Mountbatten, Prime Minister Nehru and state Chief Ministers P S Kumarasamy Raja and Kamaraj had visited his office and home which helped him bring significant improvements to Ooty town and our village Thangadu”, said his son Rajaram who lives in Thangadu village.
Lingan’s eldest son Advocate Narayanan passed away recently. Besides the above, his daughters Suseela, Indira, Kasthuri and Bhanumathi play significant role in eco-friendly farming activities in rural Nilgiris.
K V Krishnan, senior Advocate of Ooty responds:: Thanks a lot Sundar for this lovely article on the most deserving Badaga lawyer.. Very plesantly, your well written article kindled my nostalgic relationship with Mr Lingan and family. Mr Lingan was always dressed in three piece suit.. He used to have a pocket watch in one of his waist coat pockets...He was a very successful lawyer who was among the few to have clerks to do work. And, he was a very honest and highly respected lawyer who did nothing to lower professional etiquette. He was a lesson to other lawyers on professional excellence. Mr Lingan was President of Nilgiri Bar Association more than once and once, I was Secretary when he was President. He was a classmate of my maternal uncle and there are plenty of family stories I can share to show what a great gentleman Mr Lingan was . He was among the first Badga community persons to build a house in Ooty because Badagas generally owned buildings in their villages.. His Ooty house was a majestic one and called "Popular Building". .. You have mentioned about correctly about his association with Assembly Rooms.. He did a lot to Assembly Rooms as its Trustee. He would see Hollywood movies at 2.30 pm every time the new movie was introduced in Assembly Rooms and was an authority on Hollywood happenings. He was a great lover of cricket and would travel to Chennai to see matches. Right from him, many in his family were experts in playing Billiards... Even today, his descendants excel in Billiards. You have painted an excellent tribute to a great personality..
ReplyDeleteThank you sir for a wonderful speech about my great grandfather.
ReplyDeleteMY PLEASURE, VISHNU..
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