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Whether it is the Cauvery river water dispute or the Ayodhya issue or Indo-Pak relations, there are many amongst us who voluntarily come out with suggestions to solve these perennial problems concerning the country.
'Vigil' is an organisation, which brings together such people, who are socially concerned about our society and its welfare, under one umbrella. A lone voice is always unheard.
'Vigil' believes that if important opinions or suggestions are to be heard, such an organisation is very much needed.
Some people regularly express their opinion through the 'Letters to the Editor' section in the magazines or newspapers. Shivramji Jogalkar wanted to bring these people together, hold debates and discussions and publish the suggestions and opinions expressed through magazines.
 He swung into action by contacting them in person and expressed his wish. Thus started 'Nallor Vattam' and 'Vigil' is just a part of it.That it has grown from a plant to a banyan tree now is a signal achievement.
Radha Rajan, who is the Assistant Secretary, refutes the charge that the members who participate belong to the higher class alone. She says that anyone can participate and exchange views and people who come to 'Vigil' to talk are mostly from the middle class. She opines that Tamilians are more socially aware than the others and know what is happening around them, whether it is about politics or education or general outlook of our society.
Discussions are held six or seven times in a year. Each time it is a different topic which is taken up for discussion. They bring together eminent people from different fields and sectors who share their knowledge with the others. It is important to mention that the expenses for these meetings are borne by industrialists.
Last month, Maalan (Sun TV) , L Ganesan (BJP) and Thamizharuvi Maniyan (Congress) discussed about 'Tamizh Valamum, Valarchiyum' and expressed their views on the subject.
Many people took part in the heated discussion and expressed various opinions and imparted advice. The discussions are always held in a healthy manner and not taken otherwise.
Radha Rajan vehemently denies that only persons who are affliated to the BJP or the RSS are invited to the discussions. She cites Maalan as an example to disprove her point. She says that he differs in principle from L Ganesan, yet they talked about temples with the latter answering Maalan's questions in a very convincing manner.
The members receive letters informing them about the meeting, the venue, the topic and the participants well in advance. People also come to know through advertisements given in magazines.
Through 'Vigil' various topics have been discussed and sometimes solutions found. Many famous personalities have attended meetings, like M.S.Swaminathan, Ram Jethmalani, Arundhathi, A B Bardhan, Murli Manohar Joshi, Cho S Ramaswamy, Arun Shourie, and so on. The list is endless.
Different topics based on Ayodhya, Cauvery river water issue, Mandal Commission, linking of rivers, Women's Reservation Bill, growth of Tamil, free meal scheme have been discussed here. Radha Rajan defends Kanchi Sankaracharya's intervention in the Ayodhya issue. She feels that there is nothing wrong if he intervenes as it concerns religion, especially since he is a religious head.
Radha, who was a preceptor by profession now is engaged in this wholetime. She feeds and provides medical treatment for 35 dogs in her area and calls them her children. At present Mr.G.R.Swaminathan( Advocate,Chennai High Court) is the Vigil's Secretary and Mr.R.Ananthanarayanan is a member.
Organisations like Vigil help in creating a healthy society through their discussions, opinions which will enhance our country's image in the global stage.
KTSRI
Translated by Radha N.
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