'I'm okay' - a Tribute to Sam

Famous last words.

Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw's last words - a testament to a man who lived his life believing he could succeed, against all odds.

Manekshaw was almost pronounced dead when brought to Rangoon hospital (in 1942) with nine bullets in the lung, liver and kidneys. The military surgeon was reluctant to operate seeing the hopeless condition even though Manekshaw was barely conscious. The surgeon asked what had happened to him. Sam replied: "I was kicked by a donkey." The surgeon decided that if a soldier could have such a sense of humour at that critical hour, he must operate to save him.

This was the legacy of a man who confounded Indian politicians and service protocol alike - they didn't have a 'procedure or policy' to honour a Field Marshall, a post which Manekshaw was only the second to have held, after K. M. Cariappa. The manual only defined rules to a certain rank...

Hypocritical?

You bet.

Mera Bharat Mahaan - sometimes, I feel so low, so kicked-in-the-gut that I just have to say something.

The 1971 war with Pakistan, the aftermath of the Partition of 1947, Manekshaw displayed a resoluteness and courage which was a beacon for all those around around him to rally to him, to the natioi..

And this is how we honour those who serve Bharat.

Its sad, no, indeed disappointing that India did not know how to 'deal' with his passing. No customary roll-call of politicians, no service chiefs in attendance - no wonder that his family and colleagues who served under him expressed profound dismay and indignation.

Sam would've disapproved of such charades - maybe its best that he was laid to rest in the presence of loved ones and close family - without the pomp and splendour best reserved for those who crave it the most - for he was one of the people, a true leader and a human being who believed in sacrifice and commitment.

If we can't honour our war-heroes, who have given so much to the nation - whilst we remain distracted in confidence votes - rather confidence tricks, where a government clings on to power on the basis of a few MP's who have chosen to switch allegiances, then all that I can say is God save India. 'Its the economy stupid', and the economy was a siginificant distraction, indeed, but a distraction so profound that it took our attention away from someone who helped shape and build modern India?

Sam was a man to be revered, respected and looked up to - a role model in the true sense of the word.

Here's to. We remember you, soldier.

R.I.P

oRiOn 2008