Sri R N Ravi

The DMK’s ideological position has generally been opposed to the institution of the Governor. Only during the period of Surjit Singh Barnala was there an exception; he and Karunanidhi shared a cordial rapport, almost as admirers of each other. Perhaps it was the natural sympathy that arises between those who had once experienced the frustrations of separatist impulses.

Whether one likes it or not, the Constitution of India has created several institutional linkages that prevent states from breaking away into isolated corners and running entirely according to their own will.

One such constitutional restraint is the office of the Governor. When laws are brought forward driven excessively by regional sentiments—laws that run contrary to the broader spirit of national unity and reflect narrow political calculations—the Governor has the authority to intervene and withhold assent.

In today’s climate of sensational politics, where even trivial matters are blown out of proportion without thoughtful reflection, such constitutional safeguards are indeed necessary.

Therefore, the departure of Governor Shri R. N. Ravi from Tamil Nadu does evoke a certain sense of regret.

Like many Governors serving in states ruled by opposition parties, he had to confront numerous challenges. Yet, Shri R. N. Ravi handled them with considerable composure.

The experiences he had in Tamil Nadu might well have caused him personal discomfort. Nevertheless, he never allowed that bitterness to show in public and continued to discharge his duties with patience and dignity.

Except for a few controversial bills that he felt he could not in good conscience approve, he gave assent to most other bills without delay. Likewise, he chose not to read certain passages of the Governor’s Address when he believed they were inconsistent with facts, as doing so would have placed him in a moral dilemma.

For this, he faced severe criticism and even personal humiliation. From the gesture reportedly made by a minister when he walked out of the Assembly, to remarks such as “Who are you? You are only a postman,” he endured many such provocations. Yet he did not stoop to responding in the same manner. Instead, he conducted himself as a gentleman who preferred restraint over cheap retaliation, even when confronted with the pettiness of certain political actors.

He is perhaps one of the few Governors who received both praise and ridicule in equal measure.

And he accepted both with the equanimity of a sthithaprajna—a person of steady wisdom.

Even though he himself was treated in this manner within Tamil Nadu, he never failed, on public platforms outside the state, to speak with pride about Tamil Nadu and highlight its achievements.

Such maturity is rarely seen among those occupying high public office.

Shri R. N. Ravi possessed these qualities in abundance.

He is, truly, a gentleman.

He certainly has the stature and capability to hold even higher offices in the years to come.

“We wish him the very best in upholding the integrity of the nation while discharging his responsibilities as Governor of West Bengal, where the present state government often takes a politically hostile stance towards New Delhi, though the people of the state have long stood aligned with the integrity of the nation.”