George Saheb as I knew him: Arun Jaitley

With the passing away of the veteran socialist leader George Fernandes, India has lost a political colossus. George was a politician with a difference. He had the ability to stand alone, take a position, however extreme, and sustain that position. He was a political worker, an extra-ordinary leader, a powerful Trade Unionist, a Parliamentarian that many would dread to face and above all a dissenter. In the early 70s, when I was a student, George was one of the most charismatic speakers, much wanted to address campus audiences. My familiarity with him started at that time and I had an opportunity to work with him both in opposition and in Government.