George Fernandes lived a multi-faceted life fighting for the poor and less fortunate, speaking several languages to connect strongly with people and even briefly running a Konkani news magazine before entering politics.
Family and friends of ‘George Sahab’, as he was fondly addressed by many, recalled his legacy as his ashes were Friday buried at a colonial-era cemetery in the heart of Delhi, a day after his mortal remains were cremated.
Bengaluru-based younger brother Michael Fernandes, 84, said he was named George by their mother after a famous British monarch, with whom he shared the birthday.
“My mother had named him after King George V as he liked him and the monarch too was born on June 3,” he said.
George Fernandes was born in 1930 in Mangalore to John Jos and Alice Martha, and faced several struggles in life before climbing high on the ladder of politics.