Cocktail parties are aplenty in the Armed Forces, and as a child, I spent countless days wishing I could attend just one of these mysterious affairs with my parents, just to see what it was like. At 16, I finally got my chance!
It was in Wellington, where the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) is based. Tucked away in the Nilgiri Mountains, this beautiful little town surrounded by tea estates is almost surreal, and it is here that Sam Manekshaw decided to spend his post-retirement life. So it was only natural that the Field Marshal was invited to all DSSC parties and true to his flamboyant personality, he always made it a point to be present.
I remember I was talking to some friends when I saw a tall figure walking towards me. It took me a second to realise that it was the legendary Manekshaw! He came up to me and in his inimitable style, said, “Young lady, would you like to dance?”
A little taken aback, but very excitedly, I walked with him onto the dance floor. He spoke to me constantly while we danced, putting me completely at ease.
At one point, he asked me how old I was, and when I told him, he smiled and said, “Sweet sixteen! How lovely! I feel younger being with you”.
The song ended and Manekshaw graciously walked back with me to my friends. Finally, he said, “That was wonderful. Thank you, young lady” and went on his way to talk to some other people.
He was probably in his mid-eighties then but he certainly didn’t look it. And with all the girls he danced with, at every party, I’m sure he hardly ever felt it!
There are most likely dozens of other girls like me, who can vouch having heard him say to them, – ‘Thank you, young lady”.
But he was a pleasure to dance with and I’d like to say to him – “Thank you, Sam Manekshaw, I will never forget that dance”.
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