A 41 year old Professor/Politician who independently got Kailash Mansarovar opened for Hindus

After the 1962 war, India-China relationship had hit rock bottom and it remained that way for a period of 15 years. In 1977, Janata Party's victory in LS elections led to improvement in diplomatic relations with China. Dr Swamy's deep knowledge and understanding about China helped PM Morarji Desai to improve these relations.  

During the same time, Dr Swamy began to develop a strong yearning to visit 'Kailash Mansarovar' which is the ultimate abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. However, visiting the most revered holy site for Hindus seemed non-viable because of the following reasons: 

• Kailash Mansarovar was in China (Tibet), which is a Communist country 
• As the terrain was tough, infrastructure development on  the site was a challenge

May be Mahaperiyava's proximity had ignited a hidden goal of Dr Swamy's life, which was to get Kailash Mansarovar opened for Hindu devotees. Consequently, Dr Swamy began to explore the possibility of reopening the Holy site. He discussed the matter with other Janata Party leaders, however, faced stiff opposition from them. Many felt that China will not entertain such a demand because it has a Communist government, which doesn't believe in the concept of God. Moreover, such initiative could further deteriorate India's relations with China.

In process, three years passed and Janata government fell due to the split within Janata party. Fresh elections were announced and Congress made a resounding comeback in 1980 general elections. Even during Congress rule, Dr Swamy raised this issue with government officials and met the same resistance. 

Finally, Dr Swamy sought guidance from the 'Great Seer of Kanchi', who not only encouraged but blessed Dr Swamy to talk to Chinese for opening the holy site for Hindus. In 1981, during a personal visit to China, Dr Swamy had one-to-one engagement with Chinese leader Deng Xiao Ping. In a meeting that lasted for 100 minutes, Dr Swamy managed to convince Chinese leadership to open Kailash Mansarovar for Hindu pilgrims. 

Imagine a 41 year old young Professor/Politician negotiating with China's leadership in his personal capacity and then convincing it to agree to his demands. However, the Deng Xiaoping had laid down two conditions for the opening of Kailash Mansarovar route:

• Dr Swamy will lead the first delegation of 20 Hindu pilgrims visiting the holy site.
• Kailash Mansarovar will not be open for Christians and Muslims

Both the conditions were later agreed upon by Congress government basis Dr Swamy's feedback. As a result, Kailash Mansarovar route opened due to single handed efforts of Dr Swamy, who also led the first batch of Hindus to pay respects at the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati in Sepetember, 1981. 

Reopening of Kailash Mansarovar broke ice between India & China and helped both the countries to improve relations.