the goan I network
PANAJI
Dozens of political leaders, friends and foes narrated anecdotes, quoted his words and generally praised him as they recalled his memories at the meet to condole the passing away of former chief minister Manohar Parrikar at the Kala Academy on Thursday evening.
Foremost among them was Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who applauded Parrikar’s quick decision-making capacity and his foresightedness.
“As a defence minister, Parrikar facilitated the Rafael deal with France successfully to get a third generation aircraft which was needed to boost the morale of our defence forces,” said Singh.
Parrikar also had a major role in making decisions such as the one rank one pension scheme, commissioning India made light combat aircraft Tejas in the airforce and the execution of the two surgical strikes, Singh said.
“He had affection towards Goa. After he lost his wife he worked continuously for the country. He used to say that till the last breath he wants to work for the country,” he said, adding that Parrikar had strong willpower, a sharp mind and high imaginative power.
“His foresight can be judged when he suggested to me that Narendra Modi can be the best candidate of PM before the National executive meeting which was held in Goa before the 2014 lok sabha elections, Singh recalled. Goan people may not know how popular Parrikar is in India. Even in South India people admire him for his less speech and more action, he said.
RSS national secretary Bhaiyaji Joshi, Brameshanand Swami, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Central Minister Shripad Naik, ministers Nilesh Cabral, Milind Naik, Jayesh Salgaonkar, Vinod Palyenkar, Govind Gawde, Vijay Sardesai and Parrikar friend Dr Anand spoke on the occasion.
RSS National Secretary, Bhayyaji Joshi said that Parrikar had all best qualities as a leader in him. His name is big names amongst role model leader’s for all those who want to achieve a goal great nation.
He was a true and proud worker (swayamsevak) who was influenced by and developed through RSS ideology.
“Besides many Ranks in the Army a soldier feels proud to be a soldier, in that way Parrikar was feeling proud to be a sangh worker”, he added.
Baiyaji said that Parrikar believed that living a selfless life for the country is more superior than dying for a country. He taught us how to live for a country. Solving issues related to society is a sense of living for the country.
Parrikar’s friend Anand said that simplicity and positivity are undebatable qualities of Manohar Parrikar.
He recalled the experience of Manohar Parrikar while he was with him in America. He used to stay in his house eating food prepared at home rather than eating in posh hotels, he recalled.
I remember a scene in a famous film Anand when Parrikar laughed when I told him that your wife died at a younger age and you will die at an older age. After dying the age remains the same so in heaven, your wife will be younger and you will be older.
In my view he was too humane not fit to be a good politician who are supposed to be ruthless. He never took a personal bribe in his life, he added.
Rohan Khaunte said that Parrikar had the art of giving a practical solution after listening to views of all members.
He is the father of Goa’s modernisation. He had love for Goa. As leader of the opposition and during CM I have seen his love for Goa. Atal setu, Zuari, garbage treatment plant, sports complexes are many projects which he completed, Rohan said.
He taught us nothing is impossible and he was an institution himself, Khaunte added.
“He had the willpower to fight his illness. He is always with us. Will Assembly and politics remain same now, is a question”, said Khaunte
Vijay Sardessai said that Parrikar’s advise to study the matter before speaking in the assembly helped me to become a good legislator.
He built a party from grassroots level and gave a stable coalition government. He was a selfless hardworking leader. My daughter admired him when we were in opposition. We use to taunt him with a word U-Turn. For betterment of society (we took u turn) and decided much before the assembly election that we should come together.
If we want to take Manohar Parrikar’s legacy ahead then the government has to complete its term and give people justice.
Shrinivas Dempo recalled that Parrikar always gave permission for the good legal projects irrespective to political affiliations.
“IFFI created all infrastructures within one year. He gave 2 days approval for FIFA under 15 world cup. He had a razor sharp mind and executibility”, he added.
