India Commemorates Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on 17th Death Anniversary in Ooty
A wreath-laying ceremony took place today at the Parsi and Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty to honor the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. Manekshaw, celebrated as one of India's most esteemed military figures, passed away on June 27, 2008, and was instrumental in leading India to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
Military officials and members of the Parsi community gathered to pay homage to the former Chief of Army Staff, who was appointed as India’s first Field Marshal in January 1973. Wreaths were placed on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The ceremony was conducted with full military honors and incorporated traditional Zoroastrian customs at the gravesite.
The ceremony also provided an occasion to reflect on Manekshaw's enduring legacy, marked by his strategic insight, sharp sense of humor, and steadfast dedication to duty. Despite initial resistance from within the military regarding his elevation, Manekshaw emerged as a unifying presence in India's defense narrative.
The cemetery was adorned with floral tributes, creating a tranquil atmosphere for the commemoration. The Parsi burial rituals observed there highlight ecological balance and resonate with the community’s spiritual ethos. With the Parsi population in India recorded at approximately 60,000 according to the 2011 Census, the community continues to be an integral part of the nation's rich cultural mosaic.
Field Marshal Manekshaw's leadership and legacy remain a source of inspiration for India's armed forces, embodying the values of courage, professionalism, and national service.
