V. Shanmuganathan

V Shanmuganathan (born 21 November 1949) is the current Governor of the Indian state of Meghalaya, in office since 2015. He also holds an additional charge as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh since September 2016.^[1]

Early life and career

A post-graduate and an MPhil in Political Science, V Shanmuganathan received the Madras University’s prestigious Gold Medal from its well-known Vice Chancellor T P Meenakshi Sundarnar in 1970. Born on 21 November 1949, he hails from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu and is well-versed in the Tamil language and its rich literature.

The teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the spiritual thoughts of Manikkavacakar in Thiruvasagam inspired him to lead a life dedicated to the Nation.

One day he came across an extraordinary letter written by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya to his maternal uncle. This letter succinctly explains why Pandit Upadhyaya wanted to dedicate his life for the cause of nation.

Pandit Upadhyaya says, “Any individual may achieve a very high degree of progress, but that has no significance unless his motherland too registers corresponding progress. We are nowadays interested only in reaping the harvest and have forgotten to provide the field with manure. Can we not forgo a few worthless ambitions for the protection and benefit of our own people?” This letter influenced him deeply. It was an exposition that ‘giving’ makes one nobler than ‘taking’.

Imbued with the spirit of patriotism and a desire to serve the nation with a missionary zeal, Shanmuganathan dedicated his life to promote national integration.

During the 1970s, Shanmuganathan worked zealously amongst the youth to sensitise them about the rich Indian heritage and to sanitise them against the separatist and narrow parochial tendencies then prevailing in Tamil Nadu. Later, he was instrumental in organising activity oriented forums like the Movement for National Unity and Integrity.

During the 1980s, he continued working for the cause of social equality. His prime concern was educating and ennobling the young minds. He always strived for social harmony and peaceful co-existence among our countrymen.

During the 1990s, he organised Tamil Valarchi Mandram (to develop Tamil literature) and Bhakthar Peravai (devotees forum). His work covered a vast field spreading from development of literature, involvement in youth affairs to social activities like organising seminars on cultural values and skill development. He has also rendered selfless service to end caste differences and promoted unity, equality and brotherhood amongst various sections of society.

Shanmuganathan moved to Delhi in 2003 and made an intense study on parliamentary proceedings, defence and overseas affairs of India.

Shanmuganathan is a prolific writer. His three books in Tamil cover a variety of subjects relating to culture and society. The books in English ‘Karyakarta Nirman’ and ‘The Remarkable Political Movement’ became very popular among patriotic socio-cultural organisations. Besides, he has contributed over 600 articles in leading newspapers and magazines, both in Tamil and English.

Governorships

Shanmuganathan succeeded Keshari Nath Tripathi as Governor of Meghalaya on 12 May 2015.^[2] On 30 September 2015 he was additionally sworn in as the 17th Governor of Manipur after the death in office of Syed Ahmed.^[3]

References

External links

• Meggovernor.gov.in