Brilliant, astute, and point blank, V.K. Krishna Menon was undoubtedly one of the most successful yet aggressive diplomats and statesmen from India. He served at several top positions as the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s close political confidante. The power he held was so immense that it is no surprise that the ‘Time’ magazine called him the second most powerful man in India, after the then Prime Minister Nehru himself! Such was the power he commanded. He was very outspoken and did not think twice before uttering politically incorrect comments if he felt he was right. He was often seen as a bold champion for India in the Western world where he left no opportunity to speak up and defend his motherland. A highly intelligent and hard working man, he had served as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and as the country’s Defence Minister. As a young man he had been an active participant in India’s independence movement and had launched the India League in London to garner support for the cause. A headstrong person deeply devoted to his country, he dedicated his entire life to the services of the nation.