CHENNAI: Left parties on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of educationist S S Rajagopalan, recalling his lifelong contribution to progressive school education and the cause of equitable, mother tongue-based learning in Tamil Nadu.
In a condolence message, CPM State secretary P Shanmugam said Rajagopalan had played a constructive role in shaping progressive initiatives in the State’s school education system.
He noted that Rajagopalan’s father, guided by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, had pioneered the establishment of Tamil-medium schools in Coimbatore district, and that Rajagopalan imbibed a strong sense of patriotism and socialist values from an early age.
Rajagopalan went on to become one of the youngest headmasters in the State and continued to contribute to reform-oriented changes in school education during and after his tenure.
Shanmugam recalled Rajagopalan’s role in the committee headed by educationist Muthukumaran constituted during the Karunanidhi government, and said he had actively supported teachers’ movements and student organisations. He also took part in the activities of Left parties and remained a regular reader of the Left journal Deepathirai until his final days.
The CPM leader said Rajagopalan worked with commitment for a more equal society through universal access to quality education in the mother tongue.
Urging the State government to recognise his contribution, the CPM appealed for the institution of a doctoral research fellowship in the name of Dr. S.S. Rajagopalan. The party conveyed condolences to his family members and relatives.
In a separate statement, CPI State secretary M Veerapandian described Rajagopalan as a progressive educationist and Left thinker who fought for free education for all, from primary schooling to research education. He said Rajagopalan had visited the Soviet Union and helped create awareness in Tamil Nadu about the strengths of its education system.