or to China’s Regional hegemonic antics; or to Russia’s failed designs to dictate the world order. There was never a doubt that he was the architect of the Nuclear Blast of 1994, albeit behind the scenes and for this single and signal achievement by the country, Indians will ever be grateful for his persuasive and logical arguments that would have clinched the issue in Delhi. If India today has any standing in the international geo-political scene it must be unarguably because of its nuclear power status and he was ever so keen to build on this status, but the babus of South Block did not measure up to his standards of determination and courage to stand up to internal and international criticism of his idea of enlightened national interest. At a time when India is struggling with its ambition to atleast christen itself as a Regional power, his loss will be greatly felt and the best tribute the crop of analysts and strategists left behind by him can pay him, would be to convert his robust dreams to as close to reality as possible. As a layman who has had no formal induction into military strategy and international relations, if I have today a measure of interest and understanding of the subject, all credit must go to Dr Subrahmanyam’s highly convincing, simple and erudite writings on the subject which can well become a subject of study for students of Military Strategy in India
The true worth of a gentleman’s life would be the extent of the sense of loss felt by those who have had no personal acquaintance with him, and yet feel the loss of a personal friend and guide. Such is the depth of the sense of losing Dr K Subrahmanyam that he could very well have been a mentor, guide or elder brother to millions of faceless Indians. Many well known journalists, strategy watchers, politicians and bureaucrats have paid their homage to him; and they have had the privilege of knowing him at close quarters for a length of time. I consider that his passing has left the country bereft of a visionary and a diehard patriot who would much rather pay a price for retaining his commitment to the country, than receive in return for it – as many in politics or bureaucracy are wont to do. Strategising for the country was a science he virtually raised from its almost controversial birth in this country in the early 60s, and saw it through, nursing the science through the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, a crop of professionals who can today claim to have been trained under his watchful eye. Through his writings and his appearances on the television screens shone a transparent fire to see the country on the international map as a genuine Super Power, able to wield its power without having to capitulate to the U.S’s super cop ambitions; or to China’s Regional hegemonic antics; or to Russia&
The true worth of a gentleman’s life would be the extent of the sense of loss felt by those who have had no personal acquaintance with him, and yet feel the loss of a personal friend and guide. Such is the depth of the sense of losing Dr K Subrahmanyam that he could very well have been a mentor, guide or elder brother to millions of faceless Indians. Many well known journalists, strategy watchers, politicians and bureaucrats have paid their homage to him; and they have had the privilege of knowing him at close quarters for a length of time. I consider that his passing has left the country bereft of a visionary and a diehard patriot who would much rather pay a price for retaining his commitment to the country, than receive in return for it – as many in politics or bureaucracy are wont to do. Strategising for the country was a science he virtually raised from its almost controversial birth in this country in the early 60s, and saw it through, nursing the science through the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, a crop of professionals who can today claim to have been trained under his watchful eye. Through his writings and his appearances on the television screens shone a transparent fire to see the country on the international map as a genuine Super Power, able to wield its power without having to capitulate to the U.S’s super cop ambitions; or to China’s Regional hegemonic antics; or to Russia&
KS was certainly a nightmare to the Western analyst gas bags - especially the self righteous American and English. His arguments shut them up promptly. He was a true patriot. Great loss to India.
Shame on Indian media that most of them have not even reported this sad event.
K. Subrahmanyam (கிருஷ்ணசுவாமி சுப்பிரமணியம், January 1929 -- 2 February, 2011) was a prominent international strategic affairs analyst, journalist and former Indian civil servant. Considered a proponent of Realpolitik, Subrahmanyam has long been an influential voice in Indian security affairs. He was most often referred to as the doyen of India's strategic affairs community, and, more contentiously, as the premier ideological champion of India's nuclear deterrent. Subrahmanyam was a key figure in framing and influencing Indian security and nuclear policy. And in advocating Indian nuclear positions on the global stage, both as a policy wonk and as a journalist. He is the founding director of the New Delhi-based Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. He is also noted for having steered several Indian government committees and commissions of inquiry, including one on a war fought between India and Pakistan. Subrahmanyam has lately been a major advocate of the 2007 Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement, adding some heft to the Manmohan Singh government's championing of the deal in the face of much opposition
The demise of Sri K Subramanyam is a great loss for India. I have regularly read his articles and admired his nationalistic spirit. His articles have left a deep imprint on my thinking and influenced my opinion as he always had India's interest above every thing else. We will miss one of India's greatest thinkers. I always wanted to meet him in person and discuss several issues, but this will remain a wish. His rich written contributions will remain a source of important reference and inspiration for several Indians.
