Tribute paid to Mathoor

BANGALORE: The tribute paying programme on Sunday was complete and multi-faceted - just apt for as versatile a personality as Dr Mathoor Krishnamurthy, the former director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, who passed away recently.Jointly organised by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Doordarshan and Gandhi Smarak Kendra at the Khincha Hall of the Bhavan  on Race Course Road, the tone of the 120-minute programme was typical of the person to whom the tributes were paid - simple yet elegant and meaningful. Describing Matthoor as a polyglot - proficient in many languages - and a great philosopher who was at ease with both science and spirituality, Bharadwaj said his contribution for enrichment and strengthening of Indian culture, tradition and literature was phenomenal. “If Karnataka has retained its spirit of religious tolerance despite occasional ups and downs, it is because of the presence of sane and sober persons like Mathoor,” the Governor observed.  In his speech, additional chief secretary, K Jairaj described Mathoor as a colassus but down-to-earth.  According to B Sarojadevi, noted cine actress, Mathoor was a father-figure to her.