Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM condoles the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw

I Join the people of India in expressing my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly and with great affection called Sam Bahadur. Field Marshal Manekshaw was without doubt one of India's greatest soldiers and a truly inspiring leader. He served the Indian Army with great distinction for over four decades beginning with the very first military engagement free India was dragged into in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Sam Bahadur was the architect and the inspiring leader of the operations and the consequent military victory in what is now Bangladesh. Military historians will forever record the strategic brilliance and the inspirational leadership of Sam Bahadur. The people and the Government of India expressed their deepest admiration and their profound gratitude for his inspiring leadership as Chief of the Army Staff by conferring on him the prestigious title of Field Marshal. Field Marshal Manekshaw has inspired several generations of Indian soldiers and officers over the past half a century. I am sure, his legacy will continue to live with us for years to come.