A month ago (October 2009), I met Gopi Sab at a dinner given for a very small group in Delhi. As Gopi Sab entered, I touched his feet and the host Mr. Suresh Neotia seemed surprised. For me, Gopi Sab is a great Guru. Uncharacteristically I touch his feet – out of regard, respect, admiration, love and affection. At dinner, he displayed his usual knowledge, scholarship and his wisdom, while discussing a book authored by me recently. Despite his failing health he read it and, had written to me about it. He was a constant source of inspiration and occasionally a philosopher and guide to me in discharge of my duties, especially as Governor of Reserve Bank of India.
I first met him about thirty years ago, when he was Joint Secretary in Department of Economic Affairs and I was in World Bank in Washington. Thanks to Jagannathan Murali and Hem we met at my home, and for me it was simply a case of love at first sight. From Gopi Sab the same affection and the same commitment to high human values continued all these years: official positions, personal issues and changing world or India environment did not dent them. His conversations, his letters have always been a delight; they are elegant and eloquent in style and substance. We, all of our family, enjoyed their hospitality many times at their home, be it New Delhi or Washington D.C, or Noida.
His departure leaves a great void in my life; but memories, so many of them, remain to inspire and humble me.
Dr. Y Venugopal Reddy
23 November 2009
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