Let’s talk about a person who not only “serves” the country for this purpose. Former Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar is a rare breed: as sharp as an engineer, as modest as an ordinary person, as fierce as a soldier.
While most people regard him as the chief minister of Goa speaking, the National Security Corridor people know that he is the quiet architect of one of India’s biggest defence game changers: the S-400 missile defense system.
But this is something many people don’t realize: even today, he has gone for a long time, his spirit still works for India’s defense.
See the future: As early as 2015-2016, global tensions were changing, and India’s air defense situation seemed a bit outdated, and Parrikar was already thinking a few steps. He is not the one who makes noise or pursues the spotlight. Instead, he researched, planned and moved quickly. Under his leadership, India began the process of the S-400 Triumf from the Russian A missile system, thus allowing multiple targets up to 400 kilometers away to be tracked and destroyed.
Sounds futuristic, right? Parrikar makes this future possible.
People on the stance: Now, imagine: global pressure, diplomatic heat, keep calm, clear and firm under the threat of US sanctions led by Caatsa and Parrikar. “India’s security comes first,” he couldn’t help it. No matter how powerful the external forces are, he will not let them guide India’s defensive strategy.
He pushed forward the red deal. Thanks to him, the S-400 is now a strong unification of India’s defense capabilities.
A leader who never really left: It’s a thing – Parrikar may have actually left us in 2019, but he never really “left”. Talk to anyone in India’s defense services and they will tell you: His thoughts, his systems, his work ethics can still shape the way decisions are made. His fingerprints are all over the defense reforms today. He created a mind-changing self-reliance, wise diplomacy and strong defense.
And, if you believe in the energy of many people doing}, you will feel: Parrikar is still there. Still watching, still willing to work for the service he loves.
The legacy continues to exist: He didn’t wear patriotism on his sleeve. He constructs it as policies, systems and strategies. Whether it is advocating a pension, simplifying defense procurement or promoting indigenous technology – Parrikar is a quickening heartbeat for Jawan, engineer, strategist, the country.
So next time you hear Sukhoi rant overhead or read about India intercepting potential threats, you will know. Part of Parrikar is still working.
He may not be in office again, but Manohar Parrikar never retired from serving India.
This article is from Sanjana Singh As her and Deccan Chronicle.
