Memories of Manekshaw

Sad is the day when one is left with merely memories to cherish of a man who stood tall amongst the tallest, a patriot to the core, a man who died with his boots on, for a Field Marshal never retires. Such a man was Sam Manek-shaw. He lived life on his own terms. Whether it was the Prime Minister or a young jawan, he met them with the same honest, witty, considerate charm for which he will always be well known.

Newspapers say his last words from his sick bed were: "I am OK,” before he slipped into a coma from which he passed on to the next world. Prophetic words, as his whole life was based on optimism. His near fatal injury during World War II, his tryst with a vindictive defence minister who almost got him dismissed on a cooked up charge, his light banter with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her immense trust in him, his style of walking with kings but not losing the common touch, are the stuff of endless tales.

"Why would I need security? Who would harm me in my own country?” he retorted whenever anyone demanded commando security in India. While the girl child is neglected in favor of male issue, Manekshaw was a proud father of two girls. His inherent mischievous charm would make every woman in the age group of two to 92 blush with happiness.

The Baroda Parsi Panchayet was privileged to have him present in 1999 for our scholarship and award function, and that’s where we glimpsed the man behind the Field Marshal’s garb that he proudly displayed!

RODA D. HAKIM

Baroda

vadhakim@yahoo.com