Kailas Nath Kalju
The true reward of a purposeful life is the affection and esteem of friends and contemporaries. Of this no one has a larger share than Dr. Kajlu. The charm that he exercises over his friends and the stimulus he gives to the cult of ideas are a great compliment to his personal magnetism and political sagacity.
Dr.Kajlu was born in 1887 in a Kashmiri Brahmin Family. He belongs to the noble lineage of distinguished statesmen. His father, Pandit Tribhuvan Nath Katju was a Revenue Minister in the Jaora Durbar and is now a member of the States Council.
He was educated at the Rang Mahal High School and the Forman Christian College, Laore. In 1905 he graduated from Punjab University and joined the Law classes of the Allahabad University. In 1907 he secured the M.A and L.L.B degrees. He stood first in the Vakil's examination held by the Allahabad High Court. Then he set up his practice at Cawnpore.
Dr. Kajlu obtained the L.L.M degree of the Ahemadabad University. Then he moved to the Allahabad University and worked as a junior to the Rt. Hon. Sir T.B. Sapru. He secured the Doctorate of Law of the Allahabad University. Very soon he became the leader of the Bar. He appeared on behalf of the Meerut Conspiracy Case accused and ably defended them.
The spell of Ganhiji's influence on him was lasting. He seized upon the new doctrine with his accustomed mental fervour. In the earlier stages of his political career he never showed the intemperance of thought or language which usually marks converts. His has an eminently constructive mind.
His cool judgement and firmness of purpose were felt in the myriad institutions with which he was connected. He was the Chairman of the Allahabad Municipality and President of the Allahabad Agricultural Association. He is the chancellor of the Mahila Vidyapith. He is actively interested in Gandhiji's Village uplift scheme.
Dr.Kajlu holds the portfolio of Justice, Industries, Labour, Agriculture, Rural Development, Excise, Registration and Vetinery in the Pant Cabinet.
He is a powerful debator. The show of hands is always in his favour in any celebrated debase. The phillipies which he delivers against the opponent muzzles him. As a Parlimentary orator he has reached a very high level. When he rises to speak everything will be in
harmony with the matter and manner of speech. The deep but clear voice, the deliberate and distinct utterance and the gestures instinct with dignity combine to produce an indelible effect.
Editor's Note
After India's independence in 1947, Dr. Kajlu served as India's Home Minister. The biography above is taken from the Souvenir of Indian National Congress 1938 Convention.
