The Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, is normally close to the heart and valuable memoirs of service officers, particularly, when it comes to fond memories. Sam Manekshaw was appointed as its Commandant from 1959 to 1962. During his tenure, he even asserted against the recommendations of Joint Training Committee on the content of the syllabus for the staff course. Sam's judgment was finally accepted when he expressed "a study of operations of war involving close cooperation and employment of any two or all the three services is essential". This continues even today. For Sam Manekshaw, the Staff College certainly had a very special place. He mentions "it was indeed, an honour and privilege for me to have commanded the DSSC for more than three years". What more after retirement from active service, he decided to settle down in Coonoor.
His bungalow, "Stavka", is now a pilgrimage centre for the officers of his favourite Gorkha Regiment. It was here during his tenure, the then Defence Minister, Mr. Krishna Menon and Lt. Gen. B. M. Kaul had almost ruined his military career. Finally the truth prevailed and Sam Manekshaw emerged as a leading light to guide Indian Army in different important assignments to be the Chief of Army Staff and later as Field Marshal. Indo-Pak war, 1971, revolves around Sam Manekshaw. His brilliant military strategy, decision-making, co-ordinating skills and above all, his generalship were of high order. This success made him a national hero and a recipient of Padma Vibhushan. The task was not easy. There was a difference of opinion between the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Sam Manekshaw on the timing of military action. Manekshaw did not crawl or bend before the political master, rather offered to resign if his military plans were not acceptable. Finally his assertive leadership prevailed and paid dividends. The Prime Minister accepted his plans. The success of the 1971 war was remarkable from many angles.
The grand strategic objectives were achieved within a short span of 14 days with 93,000 enemy soldiers made to surrender. This war also saw a close coordinated action by the three Armed Services. Not only history was created but also the map of South Asia was altered. What more a country can accept from this great soldier? I wish the successive service chiefs followed in his footsteps. For the author it is a rich tribute to his leader, but for an ordinary reader, it is a good insight into Sam's personality. A full biography of Sam Bahadur, it seems, is still in embryonic stage for want of some documents and real accounts. Surely, on completion, it will open the vista vision of a glorious soldier's life.
Sam Manekshaw's contributions to the Indian Army are enormous. But a few are worth mentioning like kit maintenance allowance and participation of army contingent in regimental formation on the Republic Day parade. His hospitality and strict dress code add flavour to his personality. Leadership qualities in service officers are a concern that is deep-rooted in Sam Bahadur's mind and this is amply reflected in his speeches particularly at military institutions. Every significant event and glorified personality will certainly have different voices from the contemporary elite either in the form of mild dissenting views or a full-fledged criticism. Sam Manekshaw and his military decisions in the 1971 war were no exceptions. Whether it was his buddies in uniform or any civilian, none could point out that if Sam was wrong, then what was right? Our pride and a great son of the Mother India, a living legend and a role model for uniform fraternity, Sam Manekshaw, the nation salutes you.
Extracts from Book Review by GOPALJI MALVIYA
Lt Gen Depinder Singh (Retd)
FIELD MARSHAL SAM MANEKSHAW, M C — Soldiering with Dignity: Natraj Publishers, 17, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw passes away
Living Legend
NATION HAS LOST A GREAT SOLDIER: ANTONY
Condolence Message from Raksha Mantri
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Defence Minister A K Antony said "his demise has left behind a void that will be really hard to fill... The nation has lost a great soldier, a true patriot and a nobel son".
He said: "I am deeply grieved to learn of his demise. Manekshaw's nearly four-decade-long career with the army saw him hold several important positions and he was also one of the most decorated officers".
He also lauded the general's "rare knack of motivating the jawans" and being "a man of ideas and action by leading from the front in the 1971 war".
RM condolence Message on passing away of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
PM condoles....
“I Join the people of India in expressing my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly and with great affection called Sam Bahadur. Field Marshal Manekshaw was without doubt one of India’s greatest soldiers and a truly inspiring leader. He served the Indian Army with great distinction for over four decades beginning with the very first military engagement free India was dragged into in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Sam Bahadur was the architect and the inspiring leader of the operations and the consequent military victory in what is now Bangladesh. Military historians will forever record the strategic brilliance and the inspirational leadership of Sam Bahadur. The people and the Government of India expressed their deepest admiration and their profound gratitude for his inspiring leadership as Chief of the Army Staff by conferring on him the prestigious title of Field Marshal. Field Marshal Manekshaw has inspired several generations of Indian soldiers and officers over the past half a century. I am sure, his legacy will continue to live with us for years to come.”
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh condoles passing away of Sam Bahadur
In conveying his condolences to the family members of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major said,
“Though we saw it coming, it was with a sense of disbelief that I received the news of the sad demise of the legendary Field Marshal.. An iconic leader, Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, or ‘SAM’ as he is fondly called, will be remembered as a revered leader of the Indian Armed Forces, and indeed of the Nation, who exemplified the true spirit and ethos of a military leader and inspired generations of Indians to stand up and confront adversity in all its forms. Sharp and witty till the end and imbued with an indomitable fighting spirit, he will continue to live on in the minds of committed citizens and will inspire them to take the nation forward. The Indian Air Force mourns his demise and hopes that the family members he leaves behind be given the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace”.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw will live on in our memory: Air Chief Marshal Fali Major
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