Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
The book is a reflection on Sam, his character traits, sense of humour, moral and professional courage, and the enigma that made up his personality.
The man and his times
Laxmi Soni
The book is a reflection on Sam, his character traits, sense of humour, moral and professional courage, and the enigma that made up his personality. It presents a unique insight into his thinking and his style of dealing with a spectrum of situations, from the sublime to the mundane. Above all, it portrays his humility, his honesty, and his respect for men in uniform, regardless of rank. It is anecdotal and an easy read as it walks you through his life from childhood to the pinnacle of glory.
Fali S. Nariman, Former President, Bar Association of India, Former Additional Solicitor General of India, and Former Member, Rajya Sabha, wrote in his praise for the book, ‘From beginning to end, this delightful narrative simply races along, providing an intimate, witty, and scintillating story of a superhero, not just the authors’ but also the entire nation’s! Sam’s humanism, his notations on official files, his colourful language, and his doodles, which occasionally set off tidal waves of mirth through Army Headquarters, make this book simply ‘un-put-down-able’!
Undoubtedly, as Aide-de-Camp, Behram Panthaki excelled in his assigned job. But for an ADC to write so felicitously and so touchingly about his mentor is, for me, a fascinating revelation. Like Abou Ben Adhem in the poem, may their tribe increase!’
Lieutenant General Vijay Oberoi, former Vice Chief of the Army Staff, wrote, ‘An excellent book that is a labour of love and a tribute to the great Sam Bahadur, by Behram and Zenobia, who had known Sam and his family intimately. A delightful tale woven with great dexterity and garnished with a profusion of photographs that brings out the well-rounded personality of a proud soldier, a military leader par excellence, and a great human being.’
About the authors
Brigadier Behram M. Panthaki commanded the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles, served as Brigade Major, HQ 161 Infantry Brigade in J&K, was Colonel General Staff, HQ 3 Infantry Division in Ladakh, commanded 35 Infantry Brigade in Delhi, and was Brigadier General Staff, HQ 12 Corps in Rajasthan. The assignment he values most is as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to General Sam Manekshaw. Zenobia Panthaki had a close association with Sam and his wife, Silloo, and was a witness to many events described in this book.
Zenobia Panthaki began her career with IBM after graduating from Delhi University. Since Behram was ADC to General Manekshaw, she had a close association with Sam and his wife, Silloo, and was witness to many events described in this book. In 1984, she joined the World Bank, where she worked until her retirement in 2012. She currently lives in Washington, DC, and consults for the bank.
