Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw was undoubtedly an iconic leader. In this inaugural issue of our magazine, remembering the glory and pride that the Indian Army gained under his leadership is warranted. Brig Behram Panthaki, who was his ADC, shares wonderful memories of the Field Marshal.
Sam Manekshaw had several firsts to his credit. To recap a few significant ones: he passed out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in April 1934 along with the first course known as ‘The Pioneers’, the first Indian commissioned officer to become India’s Chief of the Army Staff in June 1969 and became the first Field Marshal of independent India in January 1973.
Field Marshal Manekshaw had a multifaceted personality. He is well known for his honesty, uprightness, great sense of humour and for calling a spade a spade. He is known for his military acumen and his moral courage that saw him speak up for what was right regardless of the cost to him or his career. For him, the welfare and respect of troops he commanded was non-negotiable