Father figure for cowboys

The Research & Analysis Wing, India’s external intelligence wing, has some unique traditions, having been built up by R N Kao as an institution with a difference. The RAW founder wanted the agency to revolve around a cohesive, well-knit team. That was one of the reasons, so they say, that RAW operatives came to be known as Kaoboys. Kao did not disapprove of this. On the contrary, he had a fibre-glass sculpture of a cowboy made to denote this. The sculpture now stands in the lobby of the RAW building. Part of the inspiration was that Kao himself was a fine sculptor. Today this sculpture is seen as embodying the RAW spirit and teamwork. Well, at least this is what RAW Chief A K Chaturvedi revealed to one and all last week.