George Mathew Fernandes, a prominent figure in Indian politics, was much more than just a politician. His life encompassed a diverse range of roles, from trade unionist to journalist, reflecting a rich and complex journey.

Wiki/Biography

Born on June 3, 1930, in Mangalore, British India, George Fernandes’s early life was marked by a diverse set of experiences. His education began at a government school and a church school in Mangalore, followed by a brief stint at St. Aloysius College. He left secondary school and, at age 16, entered St. Peter’s Seminary in Bangalore to pursue a religious vocation. However, he left the seminary after three years due to disillusionment.

Subsequently, he worked in various jobs, including in hotels, transport, and restaurants before moving to Mumbai in 1949. He started as a proofreader for a newspaper, showcasing his budding interest in journalism. This led him to become editor of Konkani Yuvak, a Konkani monthly, and later, the English monthly, The Other Side. He also served as chairman of the Hindi monthly, Pratipaksh.

Family, Wife & Caste

George Fernandes hailed from a Mangalorean Catholic family, being the eldest of six children born to John Joseph Fernandes and Alice Martha Fernandes. His brothers included Michael Fernandes (a trade union leader) and Lawrence Fernandes (a socialist political leader).

In 1971, he married Leila Kabir, daughter of former Union Minister Humayun Kabir. They had a son, Sean Fernandes. The couple later separated, with Leila returning to support him during his later years battling Alzheimer’s.

Career

Fernandes’s career was deeply intertwined with the socialist movement and trade unionism. From 1969 to 1973, he served as General Secretary of the Samyukta Socialist Party. He also held leadership positions in the All India Railwaymen’s Federation.

His political career took off after the 1977 elections, following the emergency. He served in various ministerial roles, including as Union Minister of Industries, where he famously forced IBM and Coca-Cola to leave India for violating investment regulations. He later served as Railways Minister and, notably, as Defence Minister from 1998 to 2004.

His tenure as Defence Minister included navigating the Kargil War and overseeing India’s nuclear tests at Pokhran. He faced controversies, including the Tehelka scandal, but remained a powerful figure in Indian politics.

Beyond his political career, he authored several books on politics and socialism, including an autobiography.

Controversies

Several controversies surrounded Fernandes’s career. These included accusations related to the Tehelka scandal, alleged dealings with the CIA, the Coffin Scam, and a controversial missile deal. While he denied many of these accusations, they significantly impacted his public image.

Net Worth

In 2009, George Fernandes’s net worth was estimated to be around ?9.5 crore.

Death

In his later years, George Fernandes suffered from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. He passed away on January 29, 2019, in New Delhi.

Facts

Here are some notable facts about George Fernandes’s life:

• He won nine Lok Sabha elections.
• He was fluent in ten languages.
• He was a member of several organizations, including Amnesty International and the Press Council of India.
• His father initially wanted him to be a lawyer.

Political Timeline

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