To me, the world of espionage always held a powerful and instinctive appeal. Although the beginning of this interest can be traced to a plethora of fictional sources, I was also, almost perpetually and curiously interested in knowing the 'boring and reality' part - for example - the tales of pioneers for whom limelight and popularity are pitfalls to be avoided. And yet, this was no boring tale, - for Count Alexandre de Marenches (Chief of French Foreign Intelligence service SDECE in the 70s) regarded Rameshwar Nath Kao, popularly known as Ramji/RN Kao/Mr.Ram as one of the five great intelligence chiefs of the 1970s.
This book, authored by Nitin A Gokhale, one of South Asia's leading Strategic Analysts, portrays the life and legend of RN Kao. It is a silent tribute to the master of spies that doesn't degrade into an unbridled eulogy. The simple account sketches the insecurities of RN Kao as a child (he was bullied for being fat during school days, he was reticent and shy). In 1939, a 21-year old Kao qualified for the then Police Service (IP), and was deputed to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) after India attained Independence. The rest, as they say, is history. The stage was beginning to be set for and by the Gentleman Spy-master - the soft spoken and suave Kashmiri Pandit from Uttar Pradesh whose stellar 'behind the curtains work' changed the course of South Asian History, cementing beyond any doubt - India's role as a Regional Power.
His work as liaison officer in investigating 'Kashmiri Princess' Aircraft crash (1955, Indonesia), and the so called Ghana Assignment (1960s) - these early cases involved a lot of red tape, false egos and international ramifications, yet he came out on top. In 1967, India's external Intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was established, with RN Kao as the first (founding) chief. His role in formation of Bangladesh and merger of Sikkim - those are stuffs of legend!
And yet, perhaps the greatest contribution that the spy-master gifted us is that he mentored a range of future R&AW officers (chiefs) who brought laurels to the country - like Sankaran Nair, Sukhoot, Vikram Sood, Balachandran etc. Documents belonging to some assignments taken up by RN Kao are still classified (at least till 2025) - perhaps by then, we may realize the extent of his contributions.
Till that time, to the Spy-Master RN Kao Saab - I Salute you, Sir!
Book : R.N.Kao Gentleman Spy-master by Nitin A Gokhale, foreword by Ajit Doval (2019)
Maheeth V,
Palakollu - 23rd of February , 2020.
