George Fernandes is one of the most influential of India’s political leaders of the last four decades. His entire life was dedicated to fighting tyranny, oppression, corruption, and for the upliftment of deprived sections of our society. His battles for equality, democracy, a free media, human rights and against all forms of injustice are well known.
We, the long time friends of George Fernandes, are deeply distressed at the events of the last few weeks, which diminish this image of a great man who, due to a debilitating illness, is unable to defend himself or express himself publicly.
We are also making this public statement to convey our deep concern for the well being, health and care of our friend George. We understand he is being moved from place to place and decisions on his well-being are being suddenly and arbitrarily taken by people who are not familiar with the particular aspects, past progress and treatment of his ailments. This is bound to have a severe adverse impact on his state of mind and body.
A panel of suitable people comprising of his familiar doctors at AIIMS and his long time colleagues and care givers, including the immediate and extended family, should be constituted through a legal process to ensure a stable atmosphere for him to feel comfortable and at ease.
All unseemly speculation and discussion being carried out in public view about his assets and relationships undermine the values that our friend George stands for.
It is our duty as his friends and admirers to ensure him his dignity and to demand respect for what he has done and the choices he has made over so many years.
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- Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, former chief justice, Supreme Court of India, former chairman national human rights commission, Padma Vibhushan awardee
- Farooq Abdullah, Union minister of new and renewable energy, former chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir
- Jaswant Singh, member of Parliament, former finance minister and defence minister
- Viren J. Shah, former governor West Bengal and arrested in the Baroda dynamite case with George Fernandes, former Member of Parliament
- Kamal Morarka, chairman Gannon Dunkerley group, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and former Minister of State
- U.R. Ananthamurthy, renowned Kannada writer, Jnanpith awardee, socialist, Padma Bhushan awardee
- R.V. Pandit, philanthrophist, film producer, publisher
- Rahul Bajaj, chairman Bajaj Group, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Uday Kotak, vice-chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Ravi Ruia, vice chairman, Essar group
- Chandan Mitra, editor and publisher The Pioneer, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
- Capt C.P. Krishnan Nair, chairman, Leela Group of hotels, Padma Vibhushan
- Rajesh V. Shah, managing director Mukund Ltd, former president CII
- Lord Meghnad Desai, writer, economist, member of the House of Commons, UK
- Kishwar Desai, writer
- Vandana Shiva, writer, social activist, scientist
- Leela Samson, eminent dancer, writer, Padma Shri awardee
- Dr Beatrix D’Souza, educationist , former member of Parliament
- Dr. Sonal Mansingh, eminent dancer, Padma Vibhushan Awardee
- Ajay Singh, former deputy minister for railways, former ambassador to Fiji, journalist
