Sir Gopalaswami Ayyangar, after his role in drafting Art 370, was appointed Defense Minister in 1952. Apparently, he was then 70 yr old and ailing and only wanted to retire. Panditji gave him this portfolio since he believed no one would ever attack India since there was /1

nothing to gain by attacking a struggling nation. This, Defense would be the lightest job in the Cabinet and he felt Ayyangar could help him with it. Sir Ayyangar died in harness, in 1953, after which Panditji appointed Shri Mahavir Tyagi, whose notable achievements /2

included introducing khadi blankets and adding notings in Hindi in official correspondence.
After this, the job went to Shri Kailash Nath Katju, who had not done well as MHA.
Seven years had gone by with no activity at all in this Ministry, until V K Menon took over. /3

Turns out Menon was all talk and little action, since 400 troops that went to liberate Goa in 1961, had to march in on PT shoes. The 1962 debacle was waiting to happen /END