Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is inarguably Independent India’s most influential military leader. Today on his 98th birth anniversary, Sam Bahadur, as Manekshaw was known, the Field Marshal’s charishma brought defence minister AK Antony and Army Chief Gen VK Singh together for the first time on a public platform after last week ‘s tension between the two over various contentitious issues. At a solemn and dignified function at Ooty, Manekshaw’s two daughters and their families prayed for the field marshal even as defence minister Antony, Army chief VK Singh, Vice Chief Lt. Gen SK Singh, the chief designate, Lt Gen Bikram Singh, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh, all placed wreaths on the Field Marshal’s grave, sending out a signal that all is well between the Minister and the Army Chief. Like in his life, Sam Bahadur continues to exert influence on matters military
