By Naveen Fernandes
Mangalore: Though we children seldom met him, George Fernandes was greatly respected in our family.
A year senior to Dad (Sabby Fernandes) at the Padua School in Mangalore, they remained friends for decades. Dad was especially thrilled that George made a brief stopover at Oman en route to Iran on an official visit and they could meet at the Seeb Airport (Muscat International Airport) where Dad served. Dad had a strong reading habit that was enhanced by George. He told us of a couple of boxes of old books that he had bought off George, on an amazing range of topics. He was in awe of the man’s knowledge, talents and brilliance.
For the long years spent shaking up and shaping India, George remained the old fashioned Mangi. Spoke fluent Konkani and Tulu, and relished simple fare that took his heart home. There was always some bimbli fruit packed from him when he went through Bangalore. When his brother Lawrence passed away about 15 years ago, Michael, the third brother who possibly knew George best, arranged a simple meal of fish curry and boiled rice for him. Big stature, simple tastes!
Manjeet, who had the misfortune of sharing a bench with me for three years of college went on to become defence personnel and hence also had several opportunities to share time with George, who was then the Defence Minister. When Manjeet was just an Army Captain, he had the opportunity to interact closely with the then Defence Minister. Recalling Gorge Fernandes, he says, “A very humble being. I was his LO twice – grounded man. He told me his complete life story and his political giving/ misgivings. He used the economy class in air travel and the common airport bus. He washed his own clothes and never ironed them – kept them folded under the bed. During meals, he ensured that I sit and have the same meal with him. He never allowed me to carry his sling bag or his briefcase. He said you are a Commissioned Officer. Such was the simplicity of this wonderful man.”
RIP George. Om Shanti.
