Remembering R N Kao: The Legendary Founder Chief of RAW

Rameshwar Nath Kao, affectionately known as R N Kao, was the founding father of India's external intelligence agency, the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW). His remarkable contributions to RAW and Indian intelligence shaped the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. Let's delve into the life and legacy of this legendary spymaster. Early Life and Background Born in 1918 in Benares, R N Kao hailed from a prosperous Kashmiri Brahmin family. He joined the Indian Police in 1939 and later became a part of the Directorate of Intelligence Bureau. Kao's involvement in the Bureau during India's freedom movement laid the foundation for his future endeavors in intelligence. The Birth of RAW With the need for real-time foreign intelligence becoming a strategic necessity, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi bifurcated the Intelligence Bureau in 1968 to establish RAW. R N Kao, a deputy director in the Intelligence Bureau, was handpicked by Prime Minister Gandhi to become the first head of RAW. Kao's extensive experience and exceptional skills made him the natural choice for this crucial role. The Rise of a Spymaster Under R N Kao's leadership, RAW rapidly transformed into a professional intelligence organization. With meticulous planning and a team of hand-picked operatives and analysts, Kao built a formidable network. His agents, known as "Kaoboys," played a crucial role in gathering intelligence. Role in the Birth of Bangladesh One of Kao's notable achievements was his instrumental role in the creation of Bangladesh. RAW provided support to Mukti Bahini, the liberation force of Bangladesh, in their fight against the military junta of West Pakistan. This led to the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, resulting in India's victory and the birth of Bangladesh. Protection of India's Interests R N Kao's tenure as the head of RAW saw him protecting India's national security interests. He played a vital role in preventing a possible coup in the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim. Kao's expertise and strategic guidance helped in the merger of Sikkim with India, thwarting any hostile takeover attempts by China. Recognition and Legacy Kao's professionalism and accomplishments earned him recognition among his peers. Count Alexandre de Marenches, the former head of the French external intelligence agency, named Kao as one of the 'five great intelligence chiefs of the 1970s.' Even after retiring from RAW, Kao continued to contribute to India's security as the Security Advisor to the Cabinet. A Multifaceted Personality Beyond his intelligence career, R N Kao possessed diverse talents. He was an accomplished sculptor, known for his sculptures of horses, reflecting his passion for wildlife. Kao also had a fine collection of Gandhara paintings, showcasing his appreciation for art and culture. R N Kao's contributions to Indian intelligence and his leadership in establishing RAW have left an indelible mark on the nation's security apparatus. His strategic vision, professionalism, and dedication to the cause of national security continue to inspire generations of intelligence professionals. The legacy of this legendary spymaster lives on, ensuring a safe and secure India.

Ajit Kumar Doval – A Gem in India’s Crown

We have heard about Mr. Ajit Kumar Doval in news during the Dokhlam Standoff, Balakot airstrike and recently in the revocation of the special status of Kashmir. He is a statesman and strategist par excellence who has served India selflessly and continues to do so as the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister. Did you know that he is also one of the world’s best spymaster and is considered as the James Bond of India? Read on to know more of this impressive and impactful person. IPS Officer After completing his Masters in Economics, Doval joined the IPS cadre in Kerala which catapulted him to higher positions with greater responsibilities. He was instrumental in the termination of 15 hijacks of Indian aircraft from 1971 to 1999. He was one among the three negotiators who successfully helped to free passengers from the IC-814 aircraft that was hijacked in Kandahar. Spy Who Extracted Secrets Of Enemies One of the greatest skills of Doval is his ability to be incognito and draw out secrets from the enemy. During the Mizo National Front insurgency, he spent long periods incognito with the Mizo National Army in the Arakan in Burma and inside Chinese territory to ensure that Mizoram remained a part of India. He also played a major role in the merger of the state of Sikkim in India. Operation Black Thunder When militants took control of the Golden Temple in Amritsar and demanded the formation of an independent Sikh nation of Khalistan, the Government was very determined that no harm should be caused to civilians. This made the Operation very difficult and Doval played a crucial role here. He pretended to be a rickshaw puller, befriended the militants and secured entry into the temple which helped him to dig out crucial information that helped in the success of Operation Black Thunder. National Security Advisor In 2014, the Prime Minister appointed him as the National Security Advisor that put him directly in charge of talks with neighbouring Pakistan. Doval planned the clever strategy of surgical Uri attack in 2016 and the more recent airstrike in Balakot in 2019 which helped confirm India’s supremacy in Jammu and Kashmir. For his courage and dedication, he became the first police officer to receive the Keerthi Chakra which is one of the highest gallantry awards. He truly is a shining star in the nation’s sky of luminaries. Image Source: CelebsBio