An indomitable spirit, a fierce leader and one of the finest defence ministers India ever had, Shri Manohar Parrikar passed away today. Shri Parrikar had been battling pancreatic cancer since February last year. His death is not only a major loss to Bharatiya Janata Party but the entire nation.
According to news agency ANI, Condolence meet for Manohar Parrikar is scheduled to be held in the union cabinet at 11 am tomorrow.
The four time Chief Minister of Goa was known for his simple lifestyle and astute decision making. A consensus builder and an organizational man, Shri Parrikar has been recognized as one of the most respected politicians who had few enemies and a multitude of admirers. Graduate in metallurgical engineering from IIT-Bombay, Shri Manohar Parrikar was the first IIT alumnus to serve as the chief minister of a state.
Shri Parrikar shared a good rapport with Prime Minister Modi. In fact, he was the one who had suggested the then Gujarat chief minister’s name as the prime ministerial candidate in 2013. He was later inducted into the cabinet as defence minister.
After serving as the defence minister in Union Cabinet for three years, Shri Parrikar returned to Goa as the CM of the state.
With an indomitable spirit characteristic of Parrikar, he managed the crisis in the coalition. Despite being seriously ill and from a hospital bed in AIIMS he kept the administrative and governmental machinery working in the state.
President of India and many political leaders have extended their condolences upon his demise. President Kovind tweeted “Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten”
Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 17, 2019
Parrikar ji has shown the entire nation how a BJP Karyakarta, even during his toughest time, is committed to the philosophy of Nation First, Party Next and Self Last.
He will always be remembered for his contributions as India’s Defence Minister and as CM of Goa. pic.twitter.com/jiKNGoOZrj
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 17, 2019
In an interview, Shri Manohar Parrikar had famously said, “I will serve Goa till my last breath.” Like every one of his promises, he kept this one as well.
Om Shanti!
