Yashwantrao Chavan - Political Administrator Par Excellence (S. M. Ketkar)

I had the good fortune to work with Yashwantrao Chavan as his Private Secretary when he was Defence Minister and late Home Minister.  The service rendered by him to the nation first as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and later as Cabinet Minster holding important portfolios in the Government of India have been narrated many times and are part of the history of modern India.  But what are not so well known are many facets of his personality which had an intimate bearing on his success as a political administrator.  Shri Chavan was a leader in every sence of the word.  He successfully practised for thirty years management principles which have only now become part of the modern management text-books.  There is therefore little wonder that he could build a competent and high-morale team whichever portfolio he held.  The most remarkable thing in India context is that he literally built up leaders by dozens - both in the political and administrative fields.  Working with Shri Chavan was like learning at the feet of a master.  It was a treat to see him reach right conclusions in complicated issues and a consensus in differing and often conflicting views.  He could find the right solution because his moral standards were high, national objectives clear and reading of the pulse of the common man perfect.  It was often unbelievable to see him turn a dispirited organisation into a high morale and competent one.  The difference between Maharahstra of 1956 and 1960 and the difference between the Armed Forces of the country in 1962 and 1965 bears an eloquent testimony to his leadership qualities.

2.  When I first called on him in his office, I had no idea that he had already selected me to head his personal staff.  As I walked into the Defence Minister's room.  I had the natural nervousness of an officer with only six years' service entering the seat of power in the South Block.  As I sat down, Yashwantraoji surprised me by asking me whether I found my mathematics training useful in solving administrative problems and also whether I could keep up my cricket after joining service.  He had obviously seen my record and with this informal beginning.  I could certainly give off my best.  As I soon found out, this incident was nothing special; Yashwantraoji had the ability to establish within seconds a complete rapport with any one whether a political worker, an officer, a general, a scientist or a writer.  His voracious reading and wide circle of friends gave him the breadth of vision and depth of knowledge which set him apart from a one-tract politician.  Yashwantraoji never demanded blind worship; his friendship was based on mutual respect and trust with complete freedom to express one's views.  One could have honest differences of opinion with him without losing his friendship.  He was a democrat in every sense of the word.  He always persuaded and never forced anyone to accept his views but when opinions differed he accepted the difference without any prejudice, malice or irritation.

3.  There is a belief among some that Yashwantraoji had a wavering mind.  Several cartoons showed him as a man sitting on the fence who was unable to make up his mind.  However, as a Minister, I always found his decisive.  He would certainly consider important issues in depth and allow everyone to give his views, but he never avoided his responsibility in taking decisions.  What is more important, he could invariably carry people with him.