It was in 1964. I had just completed my engineering from Roorkee and joined MES in HQ Western Command at Shimla. Field Marshal Manekshaw was then the GOC-in-C Western Command. On the eve of his transfer to Calcutta as the GOC-in-C Eastern Command he met each and every officer at the Shimla HQ. I had the good fortune of having a very warm handshake and a few words of encouragement from him. I still cherish that day as one of the most memorable ocassions of my life. He was a great soldier and a perfect gentleman. May his soul rest in peace. I salute you Field Marshal, a great son of India.
