ABSTRACT
‘This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap.’ Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman. It was true that he had never fully recovered from the virus infection which had damaged his kidneys in March 1962, and the minor stroke that he suffered in January had caused a momentary occlusion which for a time affected his left arm and leg. Within minutes the news of his death was known throughout Delhi and was soon carried all over India, but word of his illness had not reached Vijaya Lakshmi in Bombay in time for her to be with him at the last. The shock of Jawaharlal’s death descended upon the East and its people like a great cataclysm beyond comprehension or description; it seemed to be symbolized by the brief earthquake which shook Delhi.
