A Park dedicated to Sam Manekshaw in Meghalaya

Shillong, Aug 29 (UNI) '' If someone says that he is happy to die, he should be either a liar or a Gorkha, '' these were the words inscribed in the enclosure of 'Sam Bahadur Memorial Park' at 58 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC), Happy Valley in Meghalaya.

The 'Sam Bahadur Memorial Park' dedicated to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was formally inaugurated today by Major General S K Singh of the 8 Gorkha Rifles after a memorial service to this brave solider, who passed away on June 27 last.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw belonged to 8 Gorkha Rifles and the 58 GTC at Happy Valley was his alma mater.

'' Today, our Sam Bahadur has left a footprint in the history of 58 GTC on behalf of indebted fraternity of entire soldiers brothers tribute and honour, '' Major General Singh said.

In fact, a dedicated museum to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was set up in the lifetime of the legendary war hero in 1980 at the headquarters of the 58 GTC.

The Manekshaw Museum is a storehouse of priceless memorabilia associated with him.

Hats, boots, belts, 'khukris', Naga headgears, and uniform worn by Manekshaw, archives full of rare photographs, awards and trophies and a Padma Vibhushan scroll that the country's first Field Marshal was awarded are all to be found under a single roof in Shillong.

The huge complex of Gorkha Training Centre, which has a towering portrait of Manekshaw atop the main office, is dotted with plaques and landmarks associated with him. A high arch inside the complex is inscribed with his immortal words: ''If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gorkha!'' UNI RRK SJC DB2011