Prayer meet held to honour Dr Rajaratnam

All India Christian Council (aicc) organised a gathering of Pastors and Christian leaders to pay tributes to the late Dr Rajaratnam on 22 May 2010. Dr Rajaratnam made a significant contribution to the nation through mobilising the Church for development of Dalits and other weaker sections.

Prominent political leaders, government officers and social activists graced the gathering. The dignitaries included Jayasudha Kapoor, MLA from Secunderabad, Dr Shyam Prasad, Chancellor, Martin Luther University, Shillong, Dr Prasad Rao, Director NIIMS, and Christine Lazarus, Nominated MLA and Danam, IAS (Retd).

Dr Sam Paul, aicc National Secretary, coordinated the programme. The meeting began with praise and worship by Gospel singer Radha Mathews, State President Women's Cell of aicc.

Jayasudha thanked the organisers for inviting her to pay tributes to a great personality like Dr Rajaratnam. She said, "We need to continue serving the poor and the marginalised sections in society. This is how we have to pay tributes to Dr Rajaratnam."

She urged people to take inspiration from the life of Dr Rajaratnam who led so many movements for the poor and the marginalised.

Dr Dasari Prasada Rao, Director NIIMS highlighted the passion with which Dr Rajaratnam worked to see the rural masses having access to proper medical care. He said, "Our proper tribute to him is to take up the task of reviving all Christian hospitals in Andhra Pradesh which was a constant dream and endeavour of Dr Rajaratnam."

Dr Shyam Prasad, son of Dr Rajaratnam thanked the organisers for the programme to remember a committed person like Dr Rajaratnam. His contributions covered so many areas of life and "it is hard to find someone who has created such a legacy for us to follow." Karuna Sri of aicc Women's Cell said the Church should imbibe the vision and mission of Dr Rajaratnam who lived with great commitment.

Danam IAS (Retd) said Dr Rajaratnam was at the forefront of any issue relating to the empowerment of Dalits. Christine Lazarus spoke about his zeal to ensure that the Christian properties would not be sold out for commercial purposes but kept for the welfare of the Christian community.

Rev Satyam Yellasiri thanked all the participants for sparing time to honour Dr Rajaratnam. The meeting ended with a prayer and benediction by Rev Paothang Haokip.