Lt Gen BNBM Prasad, SM, VSM
Former DGHS(AF)& Physician who took care of Field Marshal.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw was the chief architect of 1971 Indo-Pak war when the Indian nation trounced Pakistan, Inflicting one of the most worst military defeat on the oppressor. For Indian Army under the able leadership of then Army Chief General Manekshaw, it was a great victory, never seen before for a country that was subdued for many centuries due to domination by foreign powers.
The war was short, swift and the most decisive one. In less than 2 weeks what is impossible was achieved despite hostilities all around. Adding India’s woes was the presence of super power USA in the Indian ocean which at that point of time was antagonistic to Indian interests. Without carpet bombing and un-necessary bloodshed a new nation was carved out, abruptly putting an end to the worst genocide by the brutal Pak Army. Adding to the glory of the victory was capturing of 93 000 Pak prisoners of war and treating them with utmost dignity.
Born to Parsi parents at Amritsar on 03 April 1914, young Manekshaw had all the virtues that made him immensely popular and of course a natural leader. He completed his Senior Cambridge with flying colours standing first to the entire Punjab Province that included west Punjab, Jammu and Himachal Pradesh. He was witty and the most charming with unique blend of razor sharp intellect and compassion which made him extraordinary. His ambition to become a doctor following the footsteps of his father did not happen his way. Destiny took him to Indian Military Academy(IMA) Dehradun where he got King’s Commission in the year 1932.
Great people are tested by fire and their greatness lies in their ability to emerge victorious, unscathed notwithstanding all odds. Sam was not after power and power came to him naturally. During the early part of his formative years, he served in the North-West frontier region where he Commanded Sikh troops. During the World war 2, he fought Japanese most valiantly with utter disregard to his own life. He suffered grievous injuries due to enemy bullets which burst his abdomen which would have silenced the ordinary instantaneously. Luck favoured the brave. Young Manekshaw, survived sure death and got the most coveted military cross(MC) from his British Commander. In-fact, General Officer Commanding gave his own Military Cross at the heart of the battle field where Sam was struggling for his life lest this valiant officer would not survive to receive the royal honour from the Queen.
Manekshaw led by example and went back to active military duty once he recovered from those life threatening war injuries. At the time of partition Sam was given the most difficult task to control the unruly mob indulging in one of the worst communal carnage in Kolkata. He oversaw the accession of J&K to India. He played a stellar role in diffusing Naga insurgency and strengthening Indian borders against Chines aggression. When he was the Army Chief he decided the timing of war since he knew very well that defeat is unacceptable under his command and for him war meant victory by superior strategy than by a brute military force. He did all entrusted jobs extremely well under the most trying circumstances.
Contrary to his easy going exteriors, late Field Marshal worked beyond the call of duty doing his best. He was the most compassionate and he took care of soldiers with utmost care and concern as if they are a part of his extended family. He never ever used them as a cannon fodder for his glory. He pardoned court-martialled offenses since he was convinced that soldiers do selfless service and during the course of duty some inadvertent mistakes do happen worthy of forgiveness. Military discipline is meant to secure the country and Sam knew very well that his soldiers never let him down at the time of nation’s need.
Throughout his illustrious Army career he stood his ground and never hesitated to express his views boldly, even at the cost of his career. He took risk and emerged stronger each time. He crossed swords with then defence Minister Krishna Menon who wanted to let down his own Army Chief General KS Thimayya. For him his Army Chief was supreme and he rated his military boss very high for his strategic depth. His famous words-there is a thin line that differentiates between becoming a Field Marshal or being Court-martialled validates his conviction that selfless duty with readiness to sacrifice that matters the most for one’s glory. He did not accept any lucrative Govt appointments after he demitted his high office. He was a national icon by then and could have got whatever he wanted. Despite his invaluable contribution to the Nation under the most trying circumstances, he was denied pension by the Govt under Mrs Gandhi. He was unmindful and always respected Mrs Gandhi, his PM when he was the Army Chief.
Former APJ Abdul Kalam, himself a legend had great admiration for the Field Marshal for his extraordinary leadership abilities in realising nations military objective with consummate ease. When he visited Military Hospital Wellington where Field Marshal was convalescing under my care, bonhomie and mutual respect between 2 icons were glaring. Late President came only to get inspired and Sam never lost his aura despite debilitating illness and advancing age. For the missile man, Sam remained the ultimate military leader possessing finest virtues of both the head and heart.
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Today world is in turmoil’s and India is in the cross roads facing both trade and proxy wars respectively. For India to become a global power to recon with, Sam’s legacy has to continue. Late Field Marshal remains a rare gem – a real ‘Bharat Ratna’ and the grateful nation remains indebted to him.
