Manohar Parrikar

Manohar Parrikar, born on December thirteenth, nineteen fifty-five, was a prominent Indian politician and a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He made history by serving as the eighth Chief Minister of Goa, a position he held four times between the years two thousand and two thousand nineteen. His political journey also included a significant role as the Union Minister of Defence from two thousand fourteen to two thousand seventeen, where he was instrumental in shaping India's defense policies.

In two thousand thirteen, Parrikar played a pivotal role in proposing Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate during the BJP parliamentary elections convention held in Goa. Following this, he served in the National Democratic Alliance government under Prime Minister Modi, further solidifying his influence in Indian politics. Additionally, he was a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Uttar Pradesh from two thousand fourteen to two thousand seventeen.

Parrikar was notable for being the first alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in an Indian state. He was also the first IITian to ascend to the role of Chief Minister in India and the first Goan to hold a cabinet-rank minister position at the Centre. His resilience was evident as he continued to serve as Chief Minister for over a year, even after being diagnosed with terminal-stage cancer.

In recognition of his contributions to the nation, Parrikar was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in two thousand twenty, the third-highest civilian award conferred by the Government of India. His legacy continues to inspire many in the realm of Indian politics.