Despite heavy strokes of the hammer, the real
diamond remains imperishable. Such a one is valued at its real and intrinsic
cost. The false one breaks to pieces. Through this allegorical verse, the saint
poet Tukaram tries to impress upon our mind the matchless qualities of the
brave, the industrious and the hectic souls. Sri K.B. Sahay, virtually the lion
among various Chief Ministers of Bihar belonged to this category. He was, indeed,
a most gallant horseman of Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-violent Army. Never did he
waver or flinch from duty. To my mind, the two most outstanding achievements of
K.B. Sahay will remain enshrined in the history of Bihar. These are- the
abolition of the Zamindari system and his marvellous work and craving for the upliftment
of the backward class, including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
It was K.B. Sahay who brought new life to the peasantry of Bihar. He was a
magnetic touch. His part in the struggle for freedom is too well-known to be mentioned.
Ever since he fell under the spell of Mahatma Gandhi’s influence, he devoted
himself to the country’s service with a singleness of purpose and determination
of spirit unequalled and unheard of in our history. His fiery zeal,
intrepidity, his fervent patriotism and his capacity for sacrifice marked him
out as a leader of outstanding ability. He soon won the confidence of the first
Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr Sri Krishna Sinha and waged a relentless war
against the atrocities committed by the dominant developed castes belonging to
the Zamindar class against the have-nots of the society. Dr Sri Krishna Sinha’s
idealism and impetuousness were moderated by K.B. Sahay’s practical sagacity
and realism and since the one supplied what the other lacked, the work of the
government went on smoothly and efficiently. K.B. Sahay had an unfailing sense
of hard reality and his numerous speeches testify to the fact that he was
highly concerned about the welfare of the Backward Class, Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes. He did not utter eloquent words of oratory, nor did he pay
mere lip homage to the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. Though his
body has perished, his spirit will remain for ages to guide us and inspire us.
An intrepid fighter, a kind-hearted friend, an
eminent patriot, a man of robust, pragmatic, inexhaustible capacity- a rare
combination, indeed of the idealist and the practical, K.B. Sahay will be
remembered long by the present and future generations of Bihar.
Verily in the poet’s words, he symbolized-
Statesman,
yet friend to the truth! of soul sincere,
In
action faithful, and in honour clear;
Who broke no promise, serv’d no private end,
Who gain’d no title, and who lost no friend. –
Alexander Pope
A life so rich and fruitful as Sri Sahay’s fills us
with hope and cheer. As we trudge our weary way through conflict and strife, it
beckons us to approach our task with courage that never fails or falters but
gathers fresh strength from each successive failure. He lived, he worked, and
he suffered for the sake of our motherland. His name is inscribed in the hearts
of millions of the have-nots of the society as one of the greatest benefactors
of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities and Backward
Classes.
