Sam, the Genial One

by Brig A.N. Suryanarayanan (retd)
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The term ‘bahadur’ conjures up the image of a fierce Gorkha! But ‘Sam’ was one of the most genial senior officers I found in my 35 years in uniform.

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In 1963, still a “one-pipper”, I was lost in the corridors of the Corps HQ at Tezpur, looking at name boards to invite two Captains personally for a regimental function. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulders asking ‘What brings you here?’ Turning, I saw a Lt General in a mazri shirt, with a sharp nose and peculiar moustache. “Don’t be scared young man. Tell me what you want and I will help you”. I stuttered and shivered before giving the names of Capt Batra and Parmar. He escorted me to their office and told them to give me some coffee and he was off!

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In 1973, as a student at Staff College on a Sunday at the Lower Coonoor vegetable market, I saw all vendors suddenly standing up with folded hands and saying: “Vanakkam, Ayya” (Salutations, Sir). My wife and I turned around and saw the Field Marshal. We moved aside wishing him; but he stopped and asked my wife her name and where we were staying.

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On our saying “Holmwood”, he remembered from his days as Commandant 11 years earlier and asked if we still had dry commodes there, which we did! After speaking for some more time, he wished us luck and was off!

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Same year he addressed us at the valedictory function, when for the first time ever, he gave out a humourous and uncensored version of Higher Direction of 1971 War: he had contempt for politicians and named a senior minister.

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At one stage, he moved his head to a profile and asked us to notice the similarity of his sharp nose with Indira Gandhi and said, that was the reason he was close to her! Foreign students were equally delighted as us!

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In 1984, when he addressed us at the valedictory of Higher Command Course and in 1988, at Staff College again (when I was Instructor), he amazed us with his razor-sharp memory by repeating verbatim the same words as in 1973.

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The fun was later, when all ladies wanted to have a snap with him. He said in avuncular manner: “No, not all together; one by one” and hugged each one for a snap individually!

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In Nov 1989, while waiting at IA counter at Madras for Coimbatore, in a long queue, I noticed “Sam” joining 20 places behind me. I rushed and requested him for his ticket and not to stand in queue; but he wouldn’t, saying “No I will take my turn”.

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I compelled him, took it, rushed back and asked the counter-man if he even knew who it was in the queue. He left the window, came out and apologised. Immediately there was a rush near “Sam” with everyone producing a currency-note or boarding pass or even plain piece of paper for an autograph! He smiled at me with a mischievous wink and obliged everyone!

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I asked for and got two seats together in the very first row for him and me. He spoke nicely to me throughout the flight. On my other flank, I had M N Nambiar, the quintessential Tamil villain!

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This write up as a tribute to Sam Manekshaw, by  Brig A.N. Suryanarayanan (retd) appeared in The Tribune on 23 Aug 2008,

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080823/edit.htm#5
http://surya-musings.blogspot.com/