Sam Manekshaw's memoirs

On an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Pic courtesy/58 Gorkha Training Centre

What
He has been a role model for several generations as an able military leader. April 3 marked the birth centenary of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was the first Indian Army officer to hold that rank.

‘I promise to stay out of your business if you stay out of mine. Seen here with former Prime Minster late Indira Gandhi. PIC Courtesy/58 Gorkha Training Centre

Sam at home for his ninetieth birthday party. pic courtesy/The Manekshaw family

How
And penning down a narrative of this military great who led India to victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 is Brigadier Behram Panthaki and his wife Zenobia Panthaki with their book, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw The Man and His Times. Panthaki considered Manekshaw as his mentor and with the book he gives the readers a glimpse of Manekshaw not just as a leader but also a man who had great wit, charm and who loved his dogs and gardening. This anecdotal book about Manekshaw, who was the Chief of Indian Army from 1969 to 1973 has a host of family photographs and documents such as Manekshaw's Junior Local Examination certificates. The book is packed with facts that made Manekshaw a legend, apart from personal insights like him deciding the daily menu at home.

His companion and best friend, Piffer

Visit to US Army Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky

Where
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Man And His Times, Brigadier Behram Panthaki and Zenobia Panthaki. '1,495, available at leading bookstores.

Pics courtesy/Behram Panthaki and Zenobia Panthaki