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Champion of Justice and Truth
Dr. Satkari Mookerjee, M. A.; Ph. D.
Director, Nalandā Pāli Institute.
Our scholars, thinkers and philosophers, who have been nurtured in the ageold tradition of India, are still living examples of what India has aspired to achieve in the past, It is undesirable that the majority of the scholars of the indigenous tradition have failed to reach the standard required. But of the very few who stíll embody the ideal in their character and achievements, Pandit Sukhalalji is an outstanding representative. I wish to stress some of the traits in his character as a man and as a scholar, which mark him out from the majority and place him in a class apart. Fortunately for us, even in these degenerate days, Panditji has a few companions, and fellow-members who together with him form an illustrious band.
His stupendous scholarship is too obvious. His learned editions of philosophical classics, his selections of correct readings from the mess of scribes' errors, his illuminating comments and annotations are unmistakable proofs of his mastery of the philosophical technique of the different schools of Indian thought. It is an object of admiration to scholars. Pandit Sukhalalji has set an example of learning and scholarship and insight, which is difficult to emulate. In precision of thought and speech, in the grasp of fundamentals, and in mastery of details, in the discrimination of subtle nuances of thought and expression which are apt to elude the grasp of even a careful scholar, Pandit Sukhalalji stands in the front rank. I do not know of many who can compete with him in these matters.
What, however, distinguishes him is his extensive grasp of the cultural background lying behind the different apochs of upheavals of thought. He has before his mind's eye a
