This Independence Day, let us look back at those who had a long lasting impact on India, and unfortunately no more with us as they bid adieu to us in recent years.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee [Former Prime Minister of India]
A fierce orator a bold statesman, who changed the face of India with Operation Shakti and his infrastructural reforms, Atal Bihari Vajpayee bid adieu to the world on 16 August 2018.
Kuldip Nayar [Journalist and Former Press Secretary of India] –
PC: PTI
A veteran journalist, he raised his voice against the Emergency and stressed the need to launch an impartial enquiry into the mysterious death of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Bid adieu to the world on 23 August 2018.
Madan Lal Khurana [Former Chief Minister of Delhi]
PC: PTI
An able orator, who helped BJP cement themselves in the state of Delhi. One of the key contributors who helped in laying the base for Delhi Metro. Bid adieu to the world on 27 October 2018.
HNS Ananth Kumar [Former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs]
A brilliant lawmaker once considered as an able successor to BS Yediyurappa in Karnataka BJP. Helped the party to cement themselves in the state. Bid adieu to the world on 12 November 2018.
Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, MVC [Indian Army Officer] –
Led a company of 120 soldiers from 23 Punjab Regiment against a full strength Pakistani tank regiment in the famous Battle of Longewala, and was awarded India’s second highest wartime gallantry Maha Vir Chakra for the same. Immortalized by Sunny Deol in ‘Border’, released in 1997. Bid adieu to the world on 17 November 2018.
Kader Khan [Actor, Screenwriter]
Veteran actor and Screenwriter, very well known for his impeccable comic timing. Bid adieu to the world on 31 December 2018.
George Fernandes [Former Defense Minister of India] –
An anti Emergency activist, he paved way for the successful execution of Operation Shakti and also gave his assent for the bodies of the dead soldiers to be brought back for cremation, post Kargil war. Died on 29 January 2019.
Manohar Parrikar [Former Defense Minister of India] –
An IIT Bombay graduate, he not only cemented BJP’s place in Goa but also gave India more teeth in terms of defence post Pathankot and Uri attacks. Died on 17 March 2019.
Sheila Dixit [Former Chief Minister of Delhi] –
An able administrator, who changed the face of Delhi NCR in terms of infrastructure. Bid adieu to the world on 20 July 2019.
Sushma Swaraj [Former External Affairs Minister of India] –
A brilliant lawyer and one of the core leaders of BJP, she brought the human touch to the Ministry of External Affairs. Loved by one and all for her extremely affectionate behavior towards the Indians stranded anywhere in the world. Bid adieu to the world on 6 August 2019 due to massive cardiac arrest.
Video Tribute:
Om Shanti.