The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Sam Bahadur becomes the talk of the town

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Sunday, Jun 29, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Sam Bahadur becomes the talk of the town

D. Radhakrishnan

Young people not familiar with his contributions have been inspired

Photo: K. Ananthan

Farewell, great soldier: Two children line up to pay floral homage to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on Friday. —

Udhagamandalam: “So near and yet so far.” This sums up the mood of many in this hill station on the day after a memorable farewell was given to Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, the subcontinent’s best known soldier.

Though the Field Marshal settled down in the Nilgiris about 35 years ago after making a glorious exit from the Army, never have his achievements on and off the battle field and his demeanour been discussed in this hill station as much as they are being done now by people.

The memorable farewell given to Sam Bahadur at Wellington and here has made him the talk of the town.

Effort

Some of the residents told The Hindu here on Saturday that they will never forgive themselves for not making an effort to show their children the great soldier in flesh and blood.

Stating that the manner in which he was bid adieu and the tributes which poured in had inspired members of the younger generation who were hitherto not familiar with his contributions, they said that his association with the Blue Mountains and his burial here has enhanced the reputation of the place.

“The authorities should consider renaming the road near his final resting place as Manekshaw road,” they opined and added that it would be a fitting tribute.

People from different walks of life recalled how the Field Marshal used to show up suddenly at public places and rub shoulders with all and sundry.

Race goers recalled that he used to show up often at the gymkhana races and was good at remembering faces.

Residents of Coonoor said that they would miss his sudden appearances in places like the municipal market.

The Secretary of the Coonoor Merchants Association R. Parameswaran said that while going around the market, he would not hesitate to pull up persons who were not conscious of their civic duties.

“He once reprimanded a police officer who was smoking in public while on duty,” he recalled.

It had been cheered by onlookers.

He had also been made the patron of the Coonoor Citizens Forum.

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