INTERTWINED LIVES
Description
STRICTLY PERSONAL PRIME MINISTER Deo. 25, 1972 Dear Haksar Saheb, I have hesitated to write or to apsak. Some things are too deep for words or it may be that I as not enough of a writer to find the right words. I have no new or better phrases in which to tell you what so many have been repeating much to you annoyance all these days and even months, whenever the question of your leaving us has arisen. During a period which has spanned no many crises you have stood like a rock. Your wise guidance has been invaluable in helping us to negotiate the obstacles and steer clear of the many pitfalls endangering our onward journey, and even our survival. There is perhaps no dearth of worthy, intelligent, even sincere or conscientious persons. But the need is for something over and above that as you yourself are well avare. These qualities can be useful only if they are combined with a depth of judgement which is based on long experience of men, especially in government, and affairs of India as well as the world; on an insight into trends and forces. There can be no doubt that your retirement will greatly diminish the efficacy of the PM's Sectt and will be a great loss to me. At this stage, I can only say thank you for all your help and wish you better health in the years to come. With every good wish Yours sincerely Indira Gandhi