Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly known in the Army as Sam Bahadur , passed away on June 27. However, he will live long in our memories and will continue to inspire generations of officers in the country.
His exemplary abilities are evident from this incident which the late Field Marshal narrated this incident at the inaugural Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture in October 1995 at Delhi.
"There is a very thin line between being dismissed and becoming a Field Marshal. In 1971, when Pakistan cracked down in East Pakistan, hundreds and thousands of refugees started pouring into India, into West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. The Prime Minister held a Cabinet meeting in her office. I was then summoned.
A very angry, grim-faced Prime Minister read out telegrams from the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. She then turned around to me and said, 'What are you doing about it?' And I said, 'Nothing, it's got nothing to do with me. You didn't consult me when you allowed the BSF, the CRP and RAW to encourage the Pakistanis to revolt. Now that you are in trouble, you come to me. I have a long nose. I know what's happening.'
She said, 'I want you to enter Pakistan. And I responded, That means war!'
She said, 'I do not mind if it is war.'
I said 'Are you prepared? I am certainly not. This is the end of April. The Himalayan passes are opening and there can be an attack from China.'
I turned around to the Prime Minister and said that the rains were about to start in East Pakistan and when it rains there, it pours and the whole countryside is flooded.
The snows are melting, the rivers would become like oceans. All my movement would be confined to roads."
Manekshaw told Gandhi that the Air Force would not be able to provide support because of climatic conditions. "Now Prime Minister, give me your orders. The grim Prime Minister with her teeth clenched said, 'The Cabinet will meet again at four o'clock.'
The Cabinet members started walking out. I being the junior most was the last to go and as I was leaving, she said, 'Chief, will you stay back?'
I turned around and said, 'Prime Minister, before you open your mouth, may I send you my resignation on grounds of health, mental or physical?'
She said, 'Everything you told me is true.'
'Yes! It is my job to tell you the truth,' I responded. 'And it is my job to fight, it is my job to fight to win and I have to tell you the truth.'
She smiled at me and said, 'All right Sam, you know what I want?' I said, 'Yes, I know what you want!'"
Manekshaw apparently had his way as the Bangladesh war took place seven months later, giving the armed forces ample time for preparations.
He was granted the rank fifteen days before his retirement. Many were envious of him. A Field Marshal is supposed to be in service throughout his life - and Sam Manekshaw had to wait for thirty-odd years to get the salary of his rank!
His attitude and flamboyance is evident from this incident narated by Mr. Ramamohan Rao former Principal Information Officer, Government of India.
" I remember the warmth that he showed whenever I met him in his office. During the tense days, one morning he called me to his office and asked me to draft a note. A heavy smoker those days, I was fumbling with my pen. He asked me what is wrong? I told him that to activate my faculties, I had to have a cigarette.
He told me: "Son, there is a cigarette box on my table. They contain good cigarettes. The President of India pays for them. In future, when you come to my room help yourself and you do not have to seek my permission."
I did have a smoke. The story was that only three officers smoked in the Army Chief's room. One was the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Har Prasad, the second was Lt.Gen. Reggi (R.S).Noronha, the Deputy Chief who smoked his cigar, and third was me."
Sam Bahadur....you will be missed!!
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