George the Giant

For a long time, I have pondered why a leader like George Fernandes aligned with Indira Gandhi against Morarji Desai in the late 1970s. As an admirer of Fernandes, this decision seemed inconsistent with his character. The answer, revealed in Neerja Chowdhury’s book How Prime Ministers Decide on page 121, lies in his deep loyalty to his friend Madhu Limaye. When Limaye appealed to their years of friendship, asking, “Do all our years of friendship mean nothing to you?” Fernandes made a choice driven by personal loyalty. This act echoes the Mahabharata, where Karna joined the Kauravas out of loyalty to Duryodhana, illustrating how friendship can lead to profound sacrifices, even across centuries.

Like Karna, whom I also admire, Fernandes sacrificed much for his friend and never spoke of this decision publicly, revealing the depth of his character. A man of remarkable integrity, Fernandes, a South Indian born in Kerala, was forged in the North. Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he once disguised himself as a Sardar. His flawless Hindi, unwavering support for Tibet—far ahead of his time—and his accessibility as a minister set him apart. He famously removed the gate of his residence, ensuring it remained open to all. A Christian who could recite the Gita,  starting off as a priest and then leaving it because he did not agree there is no slot in which one can put in George Fernandes was a unique figure in Indian politics. He was truely a nationalist from Kerla he  went to west India and from there to Bihar. Show me some one who can win in South west and north of India. For a long time I thought he was a bihari because he spoke flawless bihari 

There is much I dont agree with but then I am a man who rarely agrees 100% on anything. 

My respect for him deepens with every detail I learn. He was a leader of extraordinary courage and conviction, cut from a different cloth. I hope George Fernandes is at peace, wherever he may be.

I am reading a few books about him and this article will be updated with whatever I get to learn over a period of time.