We have assembled here to pay respect to the eminent atheist – humanist Dr.Jayagopal Garu who laid the foundation in this part of the country for many youths to treat the progressive path – peaceful path – rationalist path of atheism. It was not a mere change in the mental wake up of individuals; it is carrying on the propaganda activities at the field level so that the critical thinking acumen in every individual gets awakened. Dr. Jayagopal has motivated and developed many youths in this line which itself is an arduous task in public life. Dr.Jayagopal was never tired of sincere efforts for his Mission, of course, many of such groomed cadres have moved to various other posts and founded atheist organisations.
Dr.Jayagopal was a very close associate of Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani, President of Dravidar Kazhagam. Dr.Jayagopal got attracted infact inspired by the rationalist – humanist movement viz. Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) founded by the great social revolutionary Thanthai Periyar. The black shirt worn by D.K. cadres had also inspired Atheist Society of India. It resulted in the black shirt becoming the identity for the cadres of Atheist Society of India. Besides, Dr.Jayagopal made the ASI functioning in the line of DK and as per the ideals of Periyar. He had visited Periyar Thidal, Headquaters of Dravidar Kazhagam many times and participated in many conferences and meetings organised by Dravidar Kazhagam.
Our leader Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani has lot of love and affection for Dr.Jayagopal. He had invited our leader and made him preside over the Periyar Statue unveiling function at Visakhapatnam. The installation of Periyar Statue, was initiated and co-ordinated by Dr.Jayagopal, the first installation in the then integrated Andhra Pradesh. Dr.Jayagopal is a massive mobiliser not only within his organisation but also beyond it. He had always been a stalwart among like-minded political parties and social organisations.
We, Dravidar Kazhagam, wanted to honour Dr.Jayagopal by inviting him to our place. Due to his ailment and poor health condition it was not possible. As pointed out by our leader, the honour conferring event will be held at the earliest. Basically all of us are rationalists. Passing away is indeed sorrowful. One day or the other all of us have to face it. But the passing away of Dr.Jayagopal is not like that of others. Dr.Jayagopal had lived with an ideology and has left it for the posterity to follow. By his followers adhering to his ideals, Dr.Jayagopal will continue to exist. Ideologically Dr.Jayagopal would live for ever with us. That is the salute and tribute we could pay for the noble leader of the Atheist movement of the country, Dr.Jayagopal.
Long Live Dr.Jayagopal! Long Live Humanism!
