Grace and dignity
Kamal Davar

Fori Nehru, who turned 100, is always immaculately dressed in pastel silk sarees. She is passionately committed to the country which became her home after her marriage

THE Lord above is perhaps rather selective and not overly liberal about his myriad benedictions, no matter what the faithful may wish to believe. Notwithstanding the dramatic advancements in healthcare and nutritional availability, even in the 21st century, not many mortals reach the magical figure of the yogic age of 100 years. Frankly, I have never personally known any human being who has hit a century in age despite having heard many tales about longevity among our ancestors.

The nearest was one of our former Prime Ministers, Morarji Desai, who, despite his austere inclinations, was rather unlucky like Sachin Tendulkar has been in cricket many times, to have been bowled out in the 90s. That, thus, makes for only the truly blessed to attain this coveted century. I personally feel honoured to have known someone who personifies a natural dignity and timeless grace, which in today’s world is inexorably fading away.

This remarkable lady happens to be Mrs Fori Nehru. Though Hungarian by birth, she happens to be the wife of a very distinguished Indian, the late BK Nehru, who, in his lifetime, served his motherland with great integrity and distinction as a civil servant, diplomat and finally as Governor of Assam, J&K and Gujarat. BK Nehru, a man of great integrity and conviction, always stood his ground and refused to be dictated by the Centre on his constitutional prerogatives.

Somewhere I do believe that a wife gives strength to do what one perceives as proper and principled, and I am sure that even the redoubtable Nehru derived much of his inspiration from his beloved life companion.
Exceptionally well informed and mentally agile for her age, Mrs Nehru has many questions on the state of the nation, the answers of which elude us and thus convince her. Only last month, this grand old lady attended the annual general body meeting in the Kasauli cantonment of SPOKE (Society for Preservation of Kasauli and its Environs)—an organisation whose founder was none else than her beloved husband, and both of them have been much respected environmentalists.

As the Corps Commander in Punjab from 1998 to 2001, I met them always whenever I visited Kasauli, and it was indeed a learning experience for me, listening to their views on a variety of subjects afflicting society and the nation. I will never ever forget my last meeting with BK Nehru, a few days before his death, while he bid goodbye, and said: "You people must assert yourselves. Look after the country."

One of my cherished possessions is Nehru’s autobiography entitled Nice Guys Finish Second, which he presented me and is indeed a highly candid account of his life and times. As auntie Fori completes a deserving century, may the Lord bless her with many happy and healthy years ahead. Both my wife Madhu and I always wonder
how much of a graceful Indian she is, immaculately dressed in pastel silk sarees and, despite her advancing years, is passionately committed to the land she got married into.

Its both the pull of Mother India for all who come to her and those who love Mother India’s infinite variety. Fori Nehru is one such example.

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