Tara Cherian (1917 - 2000), former Mayor of Chennai, who died here after a brief illness on November 7,was a social activist, a warm person who loved people from all walks of life and always had a thought for others, particularly for the suffering and the needy.

The large turn-out at her funeral on November 8 at St George's Cathedral, Gopalapuram, was proof, if any were required, of her popularity and the respect she commanded in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the social sector.

Right from her car driver to her predecessor mayor, K N Sreenivasan, there were mourners from every strata of society.

She was the first woman mayor of the country and in honour of that she was presented the 'Key of San Francisco' from the Mayor of San Francisco during her tenure. She also served as an MLC during the M.G. Ramachandran regime and strove to improve the relationship between the Centre and the state.

Daughter of Rao Bahadur Dijesudas, Tara married Dr. P.V. Cherian in 1935 and thereafter the couple worked together for social causes wherever they were. "My mother was called 'The Governor behind the Governor' by the press when my father was the Governor of Maharashtra," recalls her daughter Jini.

While they were in Maharashtra, she contributed a lot for the Indo-Pak and India-China war victims. "Being the First Lady of the state, she collected donations in cash and in kind for the war victims. She tried her best to rehabilitate the soldiers and their families," says Jini 

"I enjoyed my seven years of work with her on the Social Welfare Board," says Bhargavi, recalling, "she was the first one to start family counselling centres and special rehabilitation centres for the deaf and the blind here."

Tara Cherian's contribution to the cause of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees still remains fresh in the hearts of the victims. She did not stop with donations but also helped them acquire skills. "She conducted exhibitions of the handicrafts they made and helped them earn a living," says Bhargavi.

Sarojini Varadappan, former chairman of the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi, recalled her unique way of expressing her love for others. "Very passionate, she used to express her love and concern to everyone she met."

She recalled an unforgettable incident. "Once there was a conference of social welfare board chairpersons in New Delhi. It happened to be my birthday. The then prime minister Indira Gandhi was scheduled to attend the conference. Tara quietly collected signatures from all the chairpersons on a greeting card and also from Indira Gandhi. She requested the PM to present the card to me."

As a Mayor her contribution to the city was invaluable. "She just did not stop with the pioneering work in providing the mid-day meal scheme, she also opened a bakery, initiated water supply for North Chennai, improved the quality and numbers of corporation dispensaries and schools," recalls her daughter.

She had special interest in music and tennis. She loved to travel and had been to almost every part of the world. She enjoyed meeting people.

Here is an anecdote of her travels which Jini cherishes. Impressed with her hospitality, the then French president invited Tara to visit his country and he left his business card with her saying she could visit his country even without a visa.

After several years, she travelled to France and when asked by the airport authorities, she said, "I have no visa. I am a friend of your president and he promised me that I could visit his country without a visa." 

Stating this, Tara flashed his card. The authorities immediately gave her a red carpet welcome and she enjoyed her stay to the utmost.

A note from K.R. Narayanan, President of India, stands as an example of her zealous work. "On your 85th birthday, I wish to point out that your life has been a source of inspiration to people and institutions and we all rejoice in your achievements."

Her grandson won admission to an American University writing an essay about his grandmother. "She was a perfect grandmother. We derived our inspiration from her," he recalls. "She was a perfect mother and always attended to our needs without any compromise," says her daughter.

Winner of Padmashri award, Tara Cherian identified herself with people from all walks of life - poor, rich, royal and handicapped.

When Dr Cherian was governor of Maharashtra, they enjoyed the unique honour of being the first Indians to play host to the Pope. And their list of visitors is long.

Former Indian cricket captain, Vijay S. Hazare, was a regular guest at her house. "Mummy used to write out his speeches and train him in speaking as he was a shy person," recalls Jini with a laugh.

Recalling the days after their father's death, her son says, "We all knew she was shattered but she was determined to overcome the grief and associated herself with a lot of social welfare activities."

And even at 87, Tara Cherian was not dependent on any one. Instead, as her daughter puts it, "Till her last days, we were dependent on her. And she was there, always accessible to all of us with the same warmth and passion."

 - V Mangala  Bhavani