“If there is a rebirth, I would like to be reborn as a Vietnamese,” George Fernandes had once said.
Addressing the annual conference of Karnataka Planters’ Association fifteen years ago in Bengaluru when he was the defence minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet, Fernandes described the Vietnamese as “a disciplined, committed and determined lot”.
Observing that Vietnam had a large share of the world coffee market, he said, “I am not grudging that; I am an admirer of Vietnam” and heaped praise on the Southeast Asian country and its people for their rapid progress.
“If there is a rebirth, I would like to be reborn as a Vietnamese”, Fernandes, who was born in Manguluru, said.
“They are ready to die for their commitment.”
Fernandes had said he was India’s first defence minister to have visited Vietnam.
He noted that three million Vietnamese had been killed in conflicts with the US, France and China.
According to him, the country was leaving India behind in per capita income.
“After all the devastation that Vietnam had to go through… none that we (India) had to go through in recent years,” the veteran socialist said.
He cited Vietnam as an example as to how a country can be determined and innovative and think 100 years ahead.
Fernandes passed away Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Condolences poured in for the former defence minister:
Saddened by his passing away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
George Sahab represented the best of India’s political leadership.
Frank and fearless, forthright and farsighted, he made a valuable contribution to our country. He was among the most effective voices for the rights of the poor and marginalised.
Saddened by his passing away.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
When we think of Mr. George Fernandes, we remember most notably the fiery trade union leader who fought for justice, the leader who could humble the mightiest of politicians at the hustings, a visionary Railway Minister and a great Defence Minister who made India safe and strong.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
During his long years in public life, George Sahab never deviated from his political ideology. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. His simplicity and humility were noteworthy. My thoughts are with his family, friends and lakhs of people grieving. May his soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind also took to Twitter saying:
Distressed to learn of the passing of Shri George Fernandes, who served India in many capacities, including as Defence Minister. He epitomised simple living and high thinking. And was a champion of democracy, during the Emergency and beyond. We will all miss him #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 29, 2019
Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condoled the demise of George Fernandes.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said he was a much admired trade union leader.
Very saddened at the passing away of former Defence Minister and much admired trade unionist, George Fernandes Ji. I have known him for decades. My condolences to his family and admirers
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 29, 2019
National Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also shared his memories on Twitter:
In 1949, he came to Mumbai and became a Mumbaikar. He plunged into workers' movement, voicing their concerns and fighting for justice. He was instrumental in setting up workers union in Mumbai Municipal Corporation and also organised railway strikes.
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019
He was one of the best Parliamentarians and also made his mark as an able administrator during his stint as Union Minister of Industry and later Defence. He was an influential and fluent orator having a command on many languages. pic.twitter.com/rCO3l7biqw
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019
We have lost a leader who was a fighter and dedicated his life to the cause of workers, labourers and common people of India. He was my close friend, I have lost my senior colleague in public life. pic.twitter.com/2JbnSKAjBV
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 29, 2019