Let’s talk about a man who didn’t just “serve” the nation he “lived” for it. Manohar Parrikar, India’s former Defence Minister, was a rare breed: sharp like an engineer, humble like a common man and fierce like a soldier. While most people remenber him as the soft-spoken Chief Minister of Goa, those in the corridors of national security know him as the quiet architect of one of India’s biggest defence game changer : S- 400 missile defence system.But here’s what many don’t realise: even today, long after he’s gone, his spirit still works for India’s defence.The mind that saw the Future: Back in 2015-2016, when global tensions were shifting and India’s air defence was looking a little outdated, Parrikar was already thinking several steps ahead. He wasn’t one to make noise or chase the spotlight. Instead, he studied, planned, and moved swiftly. It eas under his leadership that India started the process of acquring the S-400 Triumf from Russia-a missile system so advanced it can track and destroy multiple targets up to 400 kilometers away.Sounds futuristic, right? Parrikar made that future possible.The man who stood his ground: Now, imagine this: Global pressure, diplomatic heat, threats of U.S. sanctions under CAATSA and Parrikar remained calm, clear and committed. “India’s security comes first,” he belived. No matter how powerful the external forces, he wouldn’t let them steer India’s defence strategy.He pushed through the red deal moving. Thanks to him, the S-400 is now a powerful aymbol of India’s defence capability.A leader who never really left: Here’s the thing- Parrikar may have physically left us in 2019, but he never really “left”. Talk to anyone in India’s defence services and they’ll tell you: his thinking, his systems, his work ethic still shape the way decisions are made. His fingerprints are all over today’s defence reforms. He created a mindset shift-towards self-reliance, smart diplomacy, and strong defence readliness.And if you believe in energies {which many do}, you’ll feel it: Parrikar is still around. Still watching, still, willing to work for the services he loved so dearly.The Legacy Lives On: He didn’t wear his patriotism on his sleeve; he built it into policies, systems, and strategies. Whether it was advocating for One Rank One Pension, streamlining defence procurement, or pushing indigenous tech—Parrikar’s heart beat for the jawan, the engineer, the strategist, the nation.So the next time you hear a Sukhoi roar overhead or read about India intercepting a potential threat— you’ll know. A part of Parrikar is still at work. He may no longer be in office, but Manohar Parrikar never retired from serving India.This article is authored by Sanjana as part of her internship program with Decccan Chronicle.
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