Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

by Hanadi Falki

When Sam was assigned to a Sikh platoon, the sturdy Sikhs were not impressed by the boyish, handsome officer. Once Sam overheard them talking about him in Punjabi, “What shall we do now that a girl has been made our platoon commander?” Sam walked away but soon got the opportunity to establish his credentials when he saw his platoon athletes practising high jump. Despite his best attempts, the ace athlete was unable to clear a four-foot bar. With a short run, Sam sailed over the bar easily. Much to the surprise of his platoon, Sam remarked in Punjabi, “What kind of athletes are you? Even girls can easily jump over this bar.” Impressed, the men readily accepted him as their leader.

Observing Sam’s slim chance of survival, the Australian surgeon declined to operate on him. However, as Sher Singh kept insisting, Sam regained consciousness. When the surgeon asked what had happened to him, Sam, in his classic jovial nature, replied, “A bloody mule kicked me.” The surgeon laughed, and said: “By Jove, you have a sense of humour. I think you are worth saving.”