Yeoman services rendered by Subramaniam to nation recalled

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative coin of C. Subramaniam, former Union Minister and former Governor of Maharashtra, here on Saturday.

It was received by Rajashekar, son of C. Subramaniam.
Inducted as member of the Constituent Assembly as a young man, C. Subramaniam made immense contributions to build a modern India. He rendered yeoman service in building Indian agriculture and reinforcing core strengths of the country's economy and democracy, Mr. Mukherjee said.

“My personal relation with Subramaniam started from the day I entered the government,” Mr. Mukherjee recalled. “I had the privilege of working with him closely. It was he who helped me in numerous ways: how to deal with Parliament, answer questions, respond to MPs' queries. And, I have never forgotten the lessons he imparted to me.”

It was one of the critical moments in India's economy and finance when Subramaniam undertook the responsibility of Finance on 10 October 1974. Just two weeks before that, the rate of inflation was almost 24 per cent. The country had drought for three consecutive years and was compelled to import food grains. When he demitted office in 1977, the picture was totally different. The rate of inflation was negative then.

With the Green Revolution he saved the country from the humiliation of going every year with a begging bowl to other countries for food grains.

A PATRIOT

Subramaniam was a patriot. He was truly a scientist among scientists, an administrator among administrators and a statesman among statesmen. He encouraged people to develop a scientific temper. He was a builder of institutions and believed that democracy could be strengthened by strengthening the institutions.

AN ‘ERA' HIMSELF

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Subramaniam could be justifiably described as an “era” himself. He made so many important contributions and, even after retirement, encouraged new efforts in the fields of science, agriculture and water resources. He held various responsibilities, including that of Education Minister and Finance Minister in the Tamil Nadu government too.

Former Chief Minister Kamaraj brought in free education and Subramaniam fine-tuned the Education Department and helped improve the quality of education from school level to university.

India became self-sufficient in food grain production, thanks to the Green Revolution he ushered in and the country was able to provide food to 110 crore people now. He worked silently for the growth of Tamil literature.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K.V. Thangkabalu said Subramaniam was a leader who dedicated himself to serve the country. When he was a Minister in the Tamil Nadu government, he brought in a law to give priority to Tamil.