2008-06-27 14:28:55 - Sam Manekshaw died of 'acute bronchopneumonia with associated complications' died at the Military Hospital at Wellington in Tamil Nadu on Friday. He was 94. placed under intensive care four days ago after his condition became serious.The Padma Vibhushan and Military Cross awardee, who was admitted in the hospital for some time for "progressive lung disease", had slipped into a coma earlier in the day and the end came just after midnight at 00:30 am, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Sam's body will kept at the Madras Regiment Centre grounds in Wellington between 1100 hours and 1300 hours on Friday for the public to pay homage."The government has decided that the rare honour of a state funeral, usually given only to public figures, will be a fitting manner to honour Field Marshal Manekshaw. This is the first time a military

person is being given a state funeral," a defence ministry official said.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw who died late last night is being accorded a State funeral, a rare gesture to a legendary soldier and a national hero. AIR Correspondent reports that the Minister of state for Defence Mr. M.M. Pallam Raju will represent the government at the funeral, at Wellington in Ooty.
The President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony have Expressed deep regret over the death of Field Marshan Manekshaw. Dr. Manmohan Singh in his message described Field Marshal Manekshaw as one of India's greatest soldiers. He said, military historians will forever record the strategic brilliance and the inspirational leadership of the Field Marshal. In his condolence message Defence Minister, Mr. A.K. Antony said, Manekshaw's demise has left behind a void that will be really hard to fill. He said, the nation has lost a brave soldier, a true patriot and a noble son.

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has condoled the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

In her condolence message from Indore in Madhya Pradesh where she is currently on a visit, the President has said, "Field Marshal Manekshaw was a legendary soldier, who as the commander of our Army played a critical role at a very important and crucial juncture in our history, during the 1971 War. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Field Marshal Manekshaw always led by example and therefore was able to inspire his men and get the best out of them. In his passing away the nation has lost a true patriot, who shall always remain an inspiration for our Armed Forces as well as for the nation."

Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh said "Sam Bahadur was the architect and the inspiring leader of the operation and the consequent military victory in what is now Bangladesh," he said.

The Prime Minister said "military historians will forever record the strategic brillaince and the inspirational leadership of Sam Bahadur". and said he Join the people of India in expressing my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly and with great affection called Sam Bahadur. Field Marshal Manekshaw was without doubt one of India's greatest soldiers and a truly inspiring leader. He served the Indian Army with great distinction for over four decades beginning with the very first military engagement free India was dragged into in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Sam Bahadur was the architect and the inspiring leader of the operations and the consequent military victory in what is now Bangladesh. Military historians will forever record the strategic brilliance and the inspirational leadership of Sam Bahadur. The people and the Government of India expressed their deepest admiration and their profound gratitude for his inspiring leadership as Chief of the Army Staff by conferring on him the prestigious title of Field Marshal. Field Marshal Manekshaw has inspired several generations of Indian soldiers and officers over the past half a century. I am sure, his legacy will continue to live with us for years to come.

Vice President of India Shri Mohd. Hamid Ansari has condoled the death of Field Marshal S.H.F.J Manekshaw, MC, the country's first Field Marshal. In his condolence message, the Vice President said that Field Marshal Manekshaw's leadership and courage was evident during the 1971 war. As a soldier and Field Marshal he will always remain an inspirational figure for the defence forces and every citizen. His services to the country will always be remembered.

Following is the text of the Vice President's condolence message:

' It is with profound sorrow that I received the news of passing away of Field Marshal S. H. F. J. Manekshaw, MC, the country's first Field Marshal.

Field Marshal Manekshaw in his long and distinguished career in the armed forces of the country has made lasting contributions for defending the country against all odds. His leadership and courage was evident during the 1971 war. As a soldier and Field Marshal, he will always remain an inspirational figure for the members of the defence forces and every citizen. His services to the country will always be remembered.

I convey my sincere heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, admirers and the wide circle of his friends and pray that they receive the strength and fortitude to bear with the loss'.

Air Chief Marshal FH Major said, 'An iconic leader, Field Marshal Manekshaw or ‘SAM' as he is fondly called, will be remembered as a revered leader of the Indian Armed Forces, and indeed of the nation, who exemplified the true spirit and ethos of a military leader and inspired generations of Indians to stand up and confront adversity in all its forms.'

'Sharp and witty till the end and imbued with an indomitable fighting spirit, he will continue to live on in the minds of committed citizens and will inspire them to take the nation forward,' Air Chief Marshal FH Major added.

Union Minister of State for Defence Pallam Raju would represent the Central government at the funeral, while a representative of the Chief of Royal Bhutan Army Kinley Dorji would attend, representing the Bhutanese Army.

Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General M L Naidu and a Tamil Nadu minister would also be attending the funeral.

Tamil Nadu government announced a day's official mourning on Friday. The National flag would fly half mast through out the state, an official press release said.The body was taken to the residence of Manekshaw from the Military Hospital at Wellington in the morning to perform religious rites as per Parsi customs.

The body will be brought to Madras Regiment Centre (MRC) and would be kept for two hours from 11 am for the public to pay their homage.Full military honours would be provided during the period, he said.Later the cortege would leave the MRC for the Parsi funeral ground at Udhagamandalm.The last rites would be a purely private affair during which only family members will be allowed, the spokesman said.