Karnataka pays rich tributes to Field Marshal late Sam Manekshaw

Bangalore, July 5(UNI) Rich tributes were paid to Field Marshall late Sam Manekshaw at Army Service Corps Centre here today by Army and Civil servants.

Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Ms Vatsala Valsa, Principal Secretary Home, Ms Shantha Kumari, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr R Srikumar, DG&IGP, Mr Neelam Achuth Rao, Commissioner of Police paid floral tributes to the doyen of Army who died on June 27 at Welington Hospital in Tamil Nadu.

Retired and serving officers including Air Marshal V R Iyer, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Training Command, Brigadier P S Ravindranath, Commander of Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, Commandants of various Army Units joined all ranks of the Armed Forces to pay their tributes to the soldier's general.

The venue teemed with a large number of soldiers, both serving and retired in ceremonial dress, each proudly sporting medals reminding them of the war fought, some even with the late Field Marshal.

The memorial service was a dignified and solemn affair befitting the occasion. Rich floral tributes and wreaths were laid on the large sized photograph of the handsome Field Marshal. This was followed by a documentary film on the legendary soldier.

Senior retired Army Officers recalled their association with Sam Manekshaw, who they hailed as an outstanding leader of men ; exceptionally genuine and humane.

Major General PK Chakraborti, Commandant, Services Selection Centre(South), Bangalore while paying rich tributes to the Late Field Marshal, described him as a rare personification of elegance, intelligence and charm and one of the most inspirational leaders whom his men followed unquestioningly.

Officers, JCOs, Other Ranks, Cadets of the Rashtriya Military School and many others from all walks of life waited patiently to pen their tributes and respects in the condolence book.

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