Socialist hero George Fernandes dies at 88
The man, who fearlessly stood with the common people of India when they were under the clutches of a brutal emergency, who played a prime role in the elimination of the party who imposed the dark rule, though briefly, from the political hemisphere of the country, and who handled several key positions in the right wing government that came after the dark ages with the promise of a new beginning, George Fernandes, has passed away peacefully.
The 88-year-old Socialist hero was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. He was active in the Indian politics until the year 2010, when his disease took almost complete control of him.
He was seen as the leader of poor and downtrodden, not as the representative of elite, unlike the majority of the political heroes of his times.
It was his writings that helped him get close to the poor, downtrodden and marginalised. Through his write-ups, he spoke for the voiceless, and through his trade unionism, he worked for them.
He was known more as a journalist, writer, trade unionist and social worker, and less as a political leader.
His humbleness and selfless behaviour helped him to earn respect and goodwill even in his opposition camp.
The two ministers –railway and defence- where he held the top post in different times still remembers him as one of the most visionary bosses they have ever witnessed.
Indian President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh have mentioned it either directly or indirectly in the public statements released to express their condolence.
The leaders like Mr Fernandes never die. The legend will stay in our heart forever and ever.
What comes first into your mind when you think about this leader? Comment!
Vignesh. S. G
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