Field Marshal was the chief, when I got commission in Dec, 1969. He was the chief,who lead us to wonderful victory in 1971 and Bangla Desh was created.
I still remember his smiling face and words of encouragement given to us during Parchment parade of Staff Course - 38 (1982) in Wellington. He did express his surprise on seeing a SIKH officer as a FOREIGN officer (who was from Malayasian Army)
A true and dedicated soldier, a born leader with charming personality.
I was only 5 years during 71 war, too young to understand what a war is. But the names we could hear in the redio news and at the discussions of the elders were Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Yahya Khan, Niyazi and of course Field Marshal Manekshaw. We used to play 'war' in the trenchs dug by the Indian army and everybody wanted to become either Mujib or Manekshaw thus showing respect to our heros in our childish way. Days passed by and we grew old, hardly remembering Manekshow in those days. And today when morning newspaper brought the news that my childhood hero is no more, those childhood memories flashed in my mind and I felt sorry for myself - never tried to meet my hero. My salute to this great indian .
As a proud Indian, it is our privilege to have Gen.Sam chose the Blue Hills (Nilgiris) as his resting place. The Kind may have gone, but the conquests would remain forever. Thanks for being with us General.
YES I ,together with my wife Abha,met him-about ten years ago at Coimbtore airport. He was jovial and responding to his fellow travellers.cracked a joke or two. Above all he was very humble.Did not allow his aide to lift his piece of baggage. Salute a departed SOUl.
I had numerous opportunity to me Field Marshall when he used to come to Oberoi Hotels. He was in his 80's but never looked like. A personality you you like to look at. He was a Master Tactician, A leader who lead Our Army. Shaking hands was every NCC cadets, NDA Cadets, OTA & IMA cadets dream. I salute to my hero, and pray for him.
RE:Master Tactician
by Pradip Kumar Mukherji on Jun 30, 2008 11:23 AM Permalink
Hey young indians, please learn the grace of life and then open your mouth.
RE:Master Tactician
by Kartavya on Jun 27, 2008 03:28 PM Permalink
why... r u some CEO of any compny??? have u ever al least visited Oberoi... learn to respect all profession whtever it may be
India has lost a great soldier,human being.May his soul rest in peace.May govt of India have brains to honour this great man with highest honour of Bharat Ratna.
RE:Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
by Ganesh Subra on Jun 27, 2008 03:02 PM Permalink
No Brains. They will think of giving Bharat Ratna to Mr Manmohan Singh & Sonia Gandhi.
Yes, I had the proud privilege of seeing or meeting Sam Manekshaw on three different occasions. First time, when I was a Cadet under training in Khadakwasla, when he visited National Defence Academy in the year 1961-62 as Maj Gen while commanding a Division in Eastern Sector. We were absolutely impressed with his great personality. Second time, in Oct-Nov 1971 when the liberation of Bangladesh was imminent and the Indo-Pak War just in the offing. He addressed all officers and Jawans in J & K and advised "Gentle Men, please ensure the excellent reputation of the Army and do not ever do anything wrong in the war which was soon coming. Your behaviour with the civilians and especially the helpless women should be above board. Still if you are compelled to do any thing wrong, please remember me and put your hands in your pockets and I assure you nothing wrong will happen". Third time, after his retirement at Bangalore Airport- He remarked "that even after commanding one of the biggest Armies of the world and fighting so many battles in my lifetime, I am unable to command one person, and that is this lady - My Wife". Then, I had a number of presentation files in my hand. He remarked, "Young man, you must have worked really hard in producing these files. Frankly, if I were you I wouldn’t do them up, coz its easier to take a "rocket" than to do this stupid work. No doubt he was a soldier par excellence and highly quick and sharp witted. His memories will ever be cherished. Col L
RE:Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
by LALIT ANAND on Jun 28, 2008 08:34 AM Permalink
Thanks for your comments gentlemen. Anything said by me in praise of this great soldier and human being would be like showing a candle to the sun. I had nothing but great admiration for his qualities and tears in my eyes to mourn his passing away. Well I am 64 years old now.
RE:RE:Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
by vicky on Jun 27, 2008 05:20 PM Permalink
Very nice ancedotes sir.thanks for sharing them with us.This man was really a remarkable son of India! When at times our soldiers are accused of rapes in Kashmir and elsewhere(even though they are exaggerated) they should read what this great man said about to conduct themselves with women.
RE:Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
by Rethish Kumar on Jul 01, 2008 05:52 PM Permalink
Dear Sir, Thanks for the message. Even at this sad moment, I couldnt help myself bursting out at the "rocket" mention. Thank you sir for sharing with us.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is one of the few exemplaries that the nation has got. The manner in which he kept our nations flag flying is exhilarting. The best tribute that we can pay to this tall leader is to emulate his patriotism and be ourselves a dedicated citizen to the equality and growth of our nation. Everyone has a role to play and the feeling is great that we have great rolemodels to emulate and be ourselves a rolemodel to all the future generation. Jai Hind
