SRINIVASA SASTRL

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 171, 21 July 1922, Page 5

SRINIVASA SASTRL

I A GREAT AMBASSADOR. ARRIVES EX AUCKLAND. A pen portrait of the -Right Hon. V. S. Srinivasa Sastrij who is due 111 arrive in Auckland this afternoon, describes him its ""the very I picture ot" dignity and power."' He is a brilliant scholar, and has played important parts in European councils. It is said, however, that he is by no means the most popular politician in India; in fact, lie has been described as ""the Esau of Indian politics." Tall, well-built, with penetrating eyes, and a genial look that disarms eriticisii, Mr. Sastri is described as the very piclure of dignity and power. "Soinethir.j; ot India's long ages of spirituality seems to emanate from the personality of the lion. V. S. Srinivasa Sastri," says Josephine Ransom. ""His very carriage ■with high-held head indicates an inherent sense of the right to rule and to he obeyed. Deep, slumbrous, steady eyes reveal a mind held in control on the leash of a strong unbending will. His gravity of demeanour is modified by a kindly, tactful, gracious manner. considerate, and ready to respond to the smallest advances."' Poverty and bumble parentage wenbut spurs to Sastri the boy, and he had a brilliant scholastic career, a-s have so many of his latter-day countrymen. Br ISO 9he had become headmaster of the Hindu .High .Shoo! Triplicanc. In 1007 be hecame a member of the Servants of India Society, composed of high University undergraduates, who. upon entering it, take tows for life. For live years they are-trained by the society, aud during that period may neither speak in public nor write for publication. Thereafter they work as the society may direct for the social and political regeneration of India. On beginning they receive ii salary equivalent to roughly IC'M in Knglish money. The highest figure they can realise equals about £SO a year. Mr. Sa?tri"s work at Geneva has been the subject of high eulogies. It was said of him that the austere and unvarying simplicity of the white turban and the long, plain collarless coat sounded a certain tacit challenge to the riot of meaningless fashion that marks West End ! London in the season. Ho neither eats. ; meat nor drinks wine. He became presij dent of the Servants of India Society in ! 1013, and has twice declined life presii dentship. in July. 1910, he was returned to tin- Imperial Legislative Council by the Madras Legislature, and made an historic speech on the Bowlatt Bill. Of the Council of State, to which he was elected in 1020 lie became the acknowledged leader, and in June. 1821, he went to England as a representative of India at the Imperial Conference. In London he had conferred upon him the Freedom of the City, and was appointed a member of the Privy Council. In September, 1921, he was chosen to represent India at the session of tlic League of Nations in Geneva, and later at the Disarmament Conference in Washington. At those conferences he made a powerful impression. Mr. Sastri's present tour has particular reference to disabilities of Indians in self-governing British Dominions. At lii-si it was suggested that a deputation of competent Indians should make the trip, but as the result of delays and ether diliieultics in the way it was decided that lie alone should undertake it. ■•Our party." says Mr. Sastri. "is known, as the All-India Liberal party. Like every other political party it has its nickname. They call us moderates. Well, there is nothing to be ashamed of in moderation. It is a virtue—or it used to be."' "Mr. Sastri." says a. Sydney interviewer, "entertains no UandhistJllusion-.. but philosophically recognises that many -ti |.- have yet to he taken to reach self-government in India. The ebullitions of his countrymen he regards with a critical calmness, seeing in them tinmanifestations of a big political drunk." Perhaps this is why .Mr. Sastri is not altogether popular with his countrymen in India. » -.A TO-MORROW NIGHT'S KE^rrFTION. | At the civic reception to the Rt. Hon. | .Srinivasa Sastri in the Town Hall tomorrow evening the municipal choir will j vender two selections, and there will nl-o lie two organ solos by the city organist. All citizen; are invited to attend the reception, for which no platform tickets will be issued, the platform being inclusively reserved for the Mayor and councillors, and the members of" the guest's own party. Mr. Srinivasa Sastri i will arrive in Auckland from Rotorua 1 this afternoon, mid on Sunday evening jh" will address a meeting in the Tc*."n Hall, while on Monday lie will be the guest of the Rotary Club at its weekly luncheon, and will be the sneaker o? tinday.