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🕰️ The Parrikar Era: 👨‍🏫 The Engineer Who Engineered 🇮🇳 Indian Defence💼⚔️

Manohar Parrikar : “A true son of the soil, a scholar-politician, and a patriot with unwavering integrity.”

From the sandy streets of Mapuçá, Portuguese Goa, to the prestigious corridors of the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi, the life of Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar (13 December 1955 – 17 March 2019) was one of brilliance, courage, and simplicity. He wasn’t just a politician—he was a phenomenon who broke stereotypes, embodied honesty, and left behind a legacy as hard and enduring as the steel he studied as a metallurgical engineer. 🧠🧑‍🏫🇮🇳

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🧒 Early Life & Education: From Marathi Medium to IIT Gold 🎓

Born into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) family in Mapuçá, Goa, Parrikar's upbringing was modest. He completed his primary education in Marathi, showcasing early signs of academic brilliance. Later, he attended Loyola High School, Margao, and pursued his Secondary School Certificate from G. S. Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa.

What truly made him stand out was his admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), from where he graduated in Metallurgical Engineering in 1978. 🏫🔬

🏅 In 2001, IIT Bombay honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, recognizing his trailblazing contributions to Indian society.

🕉️ A Disciplined Cadre: Journey Through RSS and Early Politics 🧘‍♂️📿

Parrikar's tryst with leadership began early. As a teenager, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and by his final years in school, he had become a Mukhya Shikshak (chief instructor). Later, he was appointed a Sanghchalak at the young age of 26. The RSS played a pivotal role in shaping his ideology and discipline.

He was later seconded to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to counter the growing influence of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party in Goa.

🏛️ Political Career: From MLA to Defence Minister 🏹🧑‍⚖️

Chief Minister of Goa (2000–2005, 2012–2014, 2017–2019)

Parrikar's journey in politics formally began in 1994 when he was elected as an MLA. As a sharp strategist and grounded leader, he quickly rose through the ranks:

  • 🗓️ 2000: Became Chief Minister of Goa for the first time.

  • 🗓️ 2002: Re-elected CM with strong public support.

  • 🗓️ 2005: Lost majority due to resignations; replaced by Pratapsing Rane.

  • 🗓️ 2012: Led BJP to a resounding win with 24 seats. Became CM again.

  • 🗓️ 2017: Returned as CM after BJP formed an alliance post-elections.

Throughout his tenure, he was known for his no-nonsense governance and austere lifestyle—often spotted riding a scooter, donning simple clothes, and making unannounced visits to government offices. 🛵👕

💬 "I am not fond of luxuries. I am fond of efficiency." – Manohar Parrikar

📺 Controversies & Criticism

  • In 2001, his government handed 51 rural schools to Vidya Bharati, drawing criticism for allegedly saffronizing education.

  • In 2014, approved a ₹8.9 million junket for ministers to attend the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which the opposition labeled as wasteful.

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🛡️ Union Minister of Defence (2014–2017) 🇮🇳🛫

When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Parrikar was called to serve the nation at a higher pedestal. Although initially hesitant to leave Goa, he was persuaded to become the Defence Minister of India.

🔥 Key Contributions:

  • Instrumental in surgical strikes post-Uri attack, redefining India’s military stance.

  • Advocated a review of India’s No First Use nuclear policy, showing assertive diplomacy.

  • Took a firm stand on national security and modernisation of armed forces.

🗨️ His statement “going to Pakistan is like going to hell” made headlines, reflecting his unflinching patriotism.

⚰️ Battling Cancer: Leadership Amidst Pain 🩺

In early 2018, Parrikar was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, he continued working as Goa’s Chief Minister, attending cabinet meetings with a feeding tube and appearing in public wearing a medical mask.

🩺 He was treated in New York, AIIMS Delhi, and Goa Medical College, but eventually succumbed to the illness on 17 March 2019, at the age of 63.

His death led to nationwide mourning. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders from across the political spectrum paid rich tributes.

“India will be eternally grateful to Manohar Parrikar for his service to the nation.” – PM Narendra Modi 🇮🇳

🏅 Awards and Honours 🎖️

  • 🥇 Padma Bhushan (2020) – Posthumously awarded by the Government of India.

  • 🥇 Honorary Doctorate – By NIT Goa in 2018.

  • 🥇 CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (Politics) – 2012.

  • 🥇 Distinguished Alumnus Award – IIT Bombay, 2001.

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📘 Biography: ‘An Extraordinary Life’ 📕

In 2020, journalists Sadguru Patil and Mayabhushan Nagvenkar published “An Extraordinary Life: A Biography of Manohar Parrikar” under Penguin Random House India, chronicling his meteoric rise, ideology, and battles.

A must-read for anyone interested in politics, perseverance, and patriotism.

🏛️ Legacy That Lives On 🕊️

🔖 Manohar Parrikar Smriti Sthal, Miramar, Goa

A grand memorial featuring:

  • 📚 Library

  • 🧘 Meditation Hall

  • 🎥 Audio-Visual Room

  • 🛍️ Souvenir Shop

✈️ Manohar International Airport, Mopa (2022)

Goa's state-of-the-art international airport was named in his honor.

🧠 Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

Renamed in February 2020 to commemorate his invaluable contributions to India’s strategic thinking.

🙏 Final Thoughts: The Iron Man of Goa 🧠💖

Manohar Parrikar was not just a politician—he was a visionary, a technocrat, and a true nationalist who walked the corridors of power with humility and grace. Whether as an IITian in politics, a CM in illness, or a Defence Minister during war and peace, his life teaches us about duty, dignity, and dedication.

He lived simply, thought deeply, and served selflessly. India salutes this son of the soil. 🇮🇳🕊️

 
 
 

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