Karnataka pays rich tributes to Sam Manekshaw

Bangalore, Jul 5: Rich tributes were paid to Field Marshal late Sam Manekshaw at Army Service Corps Centre by Army and Civil servants here today.

Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Ms Vatsala Valsa, Principal Secretary Home, Ms Shantha Kumari, Additional Chief Secretary, Mr R Srikumar, DG and 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 and Commandants of various Army units, paid their tributes.

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. Floral tributes were paid to 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. They hailed him as an outstanding leader of men, exceptionally genuine and humane.

While paying rich tributes to the Late Field Marshal, Major General P K Chakraborti, Commandant, Services Selection Centre (South), Bangalore, 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 down their tributes and respects in the condolence book.

UNI