While On a Journey Towards Eternity, Manohar Parrikar Has Carved a Path For Many To Follow

63-year-old Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar, Goa Chief Minister and our former Defense Minister lost his one year battle to pancreatic cancer on 17th March 2019.  Manohar Parrikar gave in to the deadly disease in his private residence in Panaji, Goa. After the news broke out, the whole of Goa drowned in an ocean of grief.

Mr. Parrikar was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year in February when he complained of stomach ache. He was immediately rushed to a state-run hospital in Goa where the doctors stated that food poisoning was the cause of the ache. For better treatment, he was later shifted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai following which he was flown to the US. Here the doctors confirmed of him suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Known for his relentless service to public, he was a leader who garnered immense love and respect from not just the people of Goa and his party but also from the opposition. During his role as a defense minister, Manohar Parrikar has dealt with and addressed many crucial issues. From ensuring that a home grown fighter jet joins the air force fleet to helping the Indian army carry out the surgical strike, which was conducted after the Uri attack, Manohar Parrikar has left his long lasting mark in the nation.

Mr. Parrikar has played a key role in making BJP powerful in Goa. He first became the chief minister in the year in 2000 and continued to serve as one till 2002. Later in the year 2012, he once again took the seat as the chief minister of Goa. In 2014, he agreed to take over as the minister of defense but resigned to once again serve as the chief minister of Goa in 2017.

What is appreciated about the man by everyone is his dedication towards his duties and responsibilities? Inspite of keeping unwell, Manohar Parrikar continued to serve his state and country. Ever since his health started deteriorating to extreme levels, he was seen carrying his medical aid with him everywhere. However, this didn’t stop him by going about his work. This clearly shows that for him, duty and service towards the nation came first.

Mr.Parrikar stunned everyone with his comeback after a break of two and half months. He attended the inauguration of the third bridge on Mandovi River on 27th January, the budget session on 29^th January, and also attended the Atal Booth Karyakarta Sammelan in February.

The youth has a lot to take from a man of this stature. Dedication, simplicity, patriotism, love towards works, empathy towards people, courage, strong sense of responsibilities, work ethics are some of the many attributes that Manohar Parrikar strongly demonstrated.

Although his loss will be felt largely throughout the nation, he is definitely a role model and an inspiration for many in the country.