Harihar Nath Shastri

Sir, ourhearts just now are borne down by a fresh grief. The air accident that occurred at Nagpur two days ago resulted in the loss of 13 lives and it is a matter of deep sorrow that one of our dear comrades, an active member of this House, Shri Harihar Nath Shastri was also a victim of this accident. The deceased had been a valiant soldier in the country's fight for freedom. He was still engaged in his studies when the movement started under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He gave up his education and jumped into the field. He came into that field a number of times and courted imprisonment on a number of occasions. Then he completed his studies at Banaras. Thereafter, instead of worrying about himself or about his family and engaging in some service or business, as might have been expected, he dedicated his life to the service of the country and for that too he chose a field that was best with difficulties. He devoted himself to the service of labour. He made the good and the welfare of the workers his goal in life. For years he had been engaged in this work not only in this country but also abroad, where be participated in the work of international organisations as India's representative. Although he certainly had the good of the workers at heart he, was not one of those people who allowed themselves to be swayed over to any one side. He was also conscious of the difficulties of the Government, of the factories and of the industry and it was his constant endeavour, while keeping the good of the workers in view, to adopt the course of moderation and tb see things in their right perspective.I am sure we are all equally feeling the sorrow caused by his separation from us and that every member of the House has heartfelt sympathy for his survivors. [4]