Let us all stand up to observe one minute of silence in the memory of one of the tallest, most valiant and distinguished soldier modern India has ever produced.
His exploits on the battlefront and his magnificent leadership qualities make the country proud. All of us know that he was the true Bharat Ratna despite our blind govt.'s failure to confer upon him this most prestigious title.
Also let's salute this microscopic Parsi community which came from Persia and have ever since been more Indian than many of us, while producing one legendary gem after another:
1. The Tatas - for building the first steel plant in India (Tata Steel) - the first modern cancer research hospital (Tata Memorial Hospital) - the first pioneering effort in building civil aviation in India (Air India built by JRD Tata) - the immense contribution made by the Tatas and Homi Bhabha in the field of fundamental science, atomic research and energy (TIFR, BARC, TISS) - Ratan Tata for his contribution in providing a world class Rs. 1 lakh car - Zubin Mehta, the world renowned western classical music conductor - and so many more in the world of art, literature, journalism, science and technology, military, business and industry, sports, cinema and theater!!!
It will be a great service to readers if rediff publishes a comprehensive and illustrated biography of Field Marshal Manekshaw and another feature on the huge contributions made by the tiny Parsi community in building our nation and bringing pride to our
