Bhaiya ji, Lucknow’s undeclared Santa!
The passing away of 87-year old Bhaiya ji has left a definite void in the lives of citizens of Lucknow.
We rarely come across people blessed with Bhaiya ji’s integrity, compassion and commitment in public life today. Bhaiya ji came from one of the cultured and respected families of UP. He graduated from the University of Lucknow from where he also completed his masters. Very few people knew that his real name was Rajendra Nath Srivastava.
Even though Bhaiya ji had been a corporator from Narhi for almost three decades and shared a relationship of mutual respect with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many other politicians, he never sought any public position or recognition. In spite of never caring for any title or honour till his last breath, he remained among the most loved and best recognised people of the city.
As a young lad, Bhaiya ji met Mahatma Gandhi and was greatly inspired by him. He followed the Mahatma’s simplicity all throughout life. And like many other young lads of his time, he too supported the freedom movement wholeheartedly.
He was also influenced by Mother Teresa and helped the Missionaries of Charity in Lucknow in various ways, including acquiring land for their home for the destitute and the lepers.
Bhaiya ji was supportive of Welthy Fisher’s literacy movement in Lucknow too. He had a special emotional connect with the Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow and extended help is different ways. Although, he didn’t like being called a social worker, he invariably worked for the people of Lucknow during any crisis -- be it floods, riots or any other calamity.
Bhaiya ji was the kind of person who stood by people even during the most turbulent times. I was one of the many who always got his love and affection in abundance.
I distinctly recall Bhaiya ji’s visits to my home and office to selflessly seek help for the people of Lucknow, irrespective of their economic status or social standing. An embodiment of our famed Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, he was also a cultural heritage enthusiast. I often met him at cultural performances, literary functions and heritage events.
Always clad in a white kurtapaijama, Bhaiya ji remained a bachelor all his life. His scooter remained his companion till the time he could drive it. He was distantly related to us and there was a bond of mutual respect between him and my late father.
Bhaiya ji’s humility will remain an inspiration for all of us. Undoubtedly, he was the undeclared Santa Clause of Lucknow -- not just for kids but for everyone. May his caring soul rest in eternal peace!