Page:The Message and Ministrations of Dewan Bahadur R. Venkata Ratnam, volume 1.djvu/447

 an occasion even for a sort period of a year or so for Subbarayadu to stand aloof from the system of the administration, how could it go on?’ He was not merely the motive-power that gave the impetus in all directions, but also the inspiring grace which gave life and, what is more than life, the sense of devout attachment to all that are concerned in the Estate. Therefore, the less is tremendous and we do feel that it is not possible, at any rate in the near future, to replace him who has left us so suddenly. Somehow, I have a belief, a belief that is quite justified to my individual soul, that man is not merely flesh and blood, not even this wonderful machinery which thinks and feels and wills and acts; but what vitally endures is the ever-expanding being, beginning as a personality, growing as a reality and Culminating as a glory. I therefore feel that, though the physical body is withdrawn, the vital, essential being perseveres and is for ever perpetuated and though to the physical eye he is withdrawn, to the feeling heart and to the affectionate spirit his companionship