Meeting Manekshaw

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is no more, but there are hundreds — maybe thousands — who have had the privilege of coming in close contact with this wonderful person.

In 1971, our son Firoze, then aged seven, regarded him as his hero and wrote him a letter congratulating him on winning the war and expressing a desire to "make friendship” with him. He also asked for Sam Bahadur’s photograph. A few days later Firoze was thrilled — almost speechless — when the postman delivered a letter addressed to him by the Chief of Army Staff! It was a beautiful personal letter, and a signed photograph was enclosed. We later learnt that in spite of being so busy Manekshaw always replied to every letter he received.

Some years later, when the Field Marshal visited Poona we made a request that he spare a few minutes to meet Firoze. The request was granted and a time fixed. Manekshaw’s ADC asked us to be there 10 minutes early so he could brief us. We waited, and at precisely 1600 hours the great man walked in, immediately putting us at ease with his charming personality. He was genuinely pleased to meet his young admirer and spoke freely about old family connections, etc. Our meeting with this truly wonderful human being was an occasion we shall never forget.

SHIREEN and JAMSHED DARBARY

Poona

darbary@vsnl.com

Edited by Sherene Vakil