Arun Jaitley: A Cancer Patient who worked “Day and Night” curing Indian Economy’s Tumors

Arun Jaitley: A Cancer Patient who worked "Day and Night" curing Indian Economy's Tumors

 "The goods and service tax might be destination tax, but it will be a journey for India." Arun Jaitley, late Finance Minister of India quoted on his official website.

Arun Jaitley, the lawyer turned politician has been a game-changer in the Indian Economic scenario. Being the Indian finance minister, the man contributes his time to focus on improving the deteriorated state of the Indian Economy especially the high deficits, depleted foreign resources, and inflation. Aware of the issues, Jaitley was committed to bringing reforms and he transformed his thoughts into action along with Modi. The minister introduced demonetization of 500/1000 notes and Goods and Services Tax (GST) and stood strong in the initiation of the revolutionizing Indian Taxation Policy. Jaitley showcased his negotiating skills into use to drive consensus on key reforms.

A Leader who contributed more than half of his life serving to Indian Government, Jaitley has witnessed and participated in the political and financial transformation of India. Jaitley left India in grief after his demise at the age of 66. The late minister showcased no fear against the deteriorating health and continued to serve the nation during his painful series of medical conditions.

 A diabetic, Jaitley underwent bariatric surgery in 2014 to manage his weight. A "hospital" infection from surgery led to a quadruple heart bypass at the age of 51. A kidney transplant last year was followed by a long procedure for exercising a connective tissue cancer from between his knee and thigh this year and the medical struggle of the "economic guru" continued.

Practiced Law in Indian Judiciary

 Jaitley started practicing law in the Supreme Court of India and several High Courts in India since 1987. During his legal career, Jaitley worked for various clients with a political background including Sharad Yadav and even L. K. Advani. He had also represented various multinationals like Pepsico and Coca-Cola in Indian Courts.

Timeline of Jaitely's Political Career

• The President of Student union in his college days at SRCC College, Delhi University became a part of the Indian Politics by joining the office as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha since 2000.
• Initiating his career as the Union Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs in 2000, Jaitley then served in the role as Minister of Shipping where he focused on modernization of Ports reducing the turnaround time. He served the nation as the General Secretary of BJP in 2002.
• As the commerce Minister, Jaitley represented India in Cancun, Mexico and led the Indian Delegation for the WTO conference.
• Chosen as the Leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha by L.K.Advani and he participated in the debates on the Women's Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha and supported Anna Hazare in his 2011 Indian Anti-corruption movement.
• Re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat constituency, he accorded recognition as the Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha on 3rd April 2012
• On 26 May 2014, Jaitley was selected to be the Minister of Finance in the first term of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. Jaitley played a crucial role in achieving the Modi's ambitious schemes and programs. He also took the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Modi's Chief Trouble-Shooter

Modi and Arun Jaitley's partnership is a long story that has its roots in the late '90s in Delhi. Jaitley has been BJP's key political strategist, managing the crucial finance portfolios. Arun Jaitley wielded the maximum influence in the government after PM Modi. Since they shared the bond, Modi expressed Jaitley's loss on Twitter "With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, I have lost a valued friend, whom I have had the honour of knowing for decades. His insight on issues and nuanced understanding of matters had very few parallels. He lived well, leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss him!"

India's Way of Honouring the Late Minister

Jaitley's constant focus towards improving the nation's situation, his vision and ability to convert them into actions is inspiring for every young leader in the country. Hence, paying a tribute to the visionary is essential and Indian leaders are honouring the leader in different ways.

"Jaitley" Statue: An insight into the history, during his earlier political life, Jaitley led the movement against corruption which was rooted in Bihar. The moment was launched by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1973. The chief minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar has announced to build a statue of Arun Jaitely that will be installed in the state.

A  Cricket Stadium to Honour the President: Jaitley was the former BCCI Vice-President and a member of the DDCA (Delhi and District Cricket Association). To honour the minister, the DCCA announced that the Delhi's popular Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium to be renamed after Arun Jaitley. The renaming ceremony will take place on 12th September 2019.