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(Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Man and His Times) [By: Behram M Panthaki] [Oct, 2014]
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of the Indian Army from 1969 to 1973. This book is a reflection on Sam, his character traits, sense of humor, moral and professional courage and the enigma that made up his personality. It presents a unique insight to his thinking and his style of dealing with a spectrum of situations from the sublime to the mundane. Above all, it portrays his humility, his honesty and his respect for men in uniform, regardless of rank. The book is anecdotal and an easy read as it walks you through his life from childhood to the pinnacle of glory. The political canvas, woven lightly into this very personal story, highlights how a brilliant military strategist shaped the destiny of the Indian subcontinent. Family photographs, copies of citations, handwritten notes and personal correspondence make this book a treasure to read and acquire.
Hardcover
First published October 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 8, 2023
When, after quite a bit of thought, I finally decided which book to purchase of the several books that have been published during the last decade about the late Field Marshal Manekshaw, the decision was made based on my presumption that a book written by his long time former ADC, Brigadier Behram M. Panthaki (Retd), and co-authored by the Brigadier's wife, Zenobia Panthaki, would almost certainly be a labour of love, and would therefore be of considerably higher quality than the others. I am happy to report that my judgement turned out to be correct.
Not only is this book an exceptionally nice, high-quality "coffee-table book", with the exceptional collection of photographs that one would expect (and printed on "art paper" no less), but the text is of commensurate quality, and contains a great deal of fascinating historical & biographical information about the man and his time. This is, in fact, such a useful, detailed biographical overview that it will easily serve until a more extensively researched academic biography is available. As anyone familiar with the career and/or character of Sam Manekshaw will likely be able to guess, the book is also extraordinarily amusing on occasion.
The politico-military history of the Indian sub-continent is not a field in which I happen to have any particular expertise. This made the authors' practice of extensively footnoting any and all terms, words or phrases which might be difficult to understand for anyone unfamiliar with the history and culture of that part of the world extremely helpful.
Though it would have been quite expensive had I not been fortunate enough to find a brand-new copy at a very reasonable price here in the U.S. (thus obviating the necessity of having a copy shipped here from India), I have no doubt whatsoever that I would have considered this book to be a worthwhile purchase even had I been obliged to pay considerably more in order to obtain a copy. It is a very nice book which will look good on either the shelf or the coffee-table, and a beautifully written and fascinating account of the amazing life and long career of a truly eccentric and legitimately larger-than-life character. I recommend it highly, and in particular to those who may have an interest in the history of the 20th century, South Asia, or the Indian Army.
Not only is this book an exceptionally nice, high-quality "coffee-table book", with the exceptional collection of photographs that one would expect (and printed on "art paper" no less), but the text is of commensurate quality, and contains a great deal of fascinating historical & biographical information about the man and his time. This is, in fact, such a useful, detailed biographical overview that it will easily serve until a more extensively researched academic biography is available. As anyone familiar with the career and/or character of Sam Manekshaw will likely be able to guess, the book is also extraordinarily amusing on occasion.
The politico-military history of the Indian sub-continent is not a field in which I happen to have any particular expertise. This made the authors' practice of extensively footnoting any and all terms, words or phrases which might be difficult to understand for anyone unfamiliar with the history and culture of that part of the world extremely helpful.
Though it would have been quite expensive had I not been fortunate enough to find a brand-new copy at a very reasonable price here in the U.S. (thus obviating the necessity of having a copy shipped here from India), I have no doubt whatsoever that I would have considered this book to be a worthwhile purchase even had I been obliged to pay considerably more in order to obtain a copy. It is a very nice book which will look good on either the shelf or the coffee-table, and a beautifully written and fascinating account of the amazing life and long career of a truly eccentric and legitimately larger-than-life character. I recommend it highly, and in particular to those who may have an interest in the history of the 20th century, South Asia, or the Indian Army.
December 15, 2022
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Man and His Times by Brigadier Behram M. Panthaki (Retd.) and Zenobia Panthaki.
Nonfiction/Biography
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Since last year I have taken interest in military history, starting with a book about Param Vir Chakra recipient and their stories of bravery penned down by the amazing Rachna Bisht Rawat
Last Winter, when her book 1971: The Charge of Gorkhas and Other Stories was published, I grabbed a copy as soon as it was possible for me. It was there that I read about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, more affectionately called 'Sam Bahadur'. He was the Chief of Army during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
Thus, when I discovered that my neighbour (who has a remarkable collection of non-fiction books) had a biography of Sam, I eagerly borrowed it.
Brigadier Panthaki, who was Sam's aide-de-camp during most of his term, recollects his lively memories of Sam and his family. Brigadier Panthaki's wife, Zenobia Panthaki collects down these memories which is later published as this work.
Throughout the book, recollections from Sam's exemplary days in office is shared accompanied by a bunch of pictures from family albums and official files that makes the book even more lively. Sam's days as a young officer in the British Indian Army, being the Eastern Commander of Army of Independent India and of being a loving husband and father, active plant enthusiast and a kind, fun-loving man alongside being the Army Chief is thoroughly shared.
I personally enjoy reading non fictions and biographies thus this was a good experience for me. The book is well-written with kind recollections and should be enjoyed by interested individuals
Nonfiction/Biography
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Since last year I have taken interest in military history, starting with a book about Param Vir Chakra recipient and their stories of bravery penned down by the amazing Rachna Bisht Rawat
Last Winter, when her book 1971: The Charge of Gorkhas and Other Stories was published, I grabbed a copy as soon as it was possible for me. It was there that I read about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, more affectionately called 'Sam Bahadur'. He was the Chief of Army during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
Thus, when I discovered that my neighbour (who has a remarkable collection of non-fiction books) had a biography of Sam, I eagerly borrowed it.
Brigadier Panthaki, who was Sam's aide-de-camp during most of his term, recollects his lively memories of Sam and his family. Brigadier Panthaki's wife, Zenobia Panthaki collects down these memories which is later published as this work.
Throughout the book, recollections from Sam's exemplary days in office is shared accompanied by a bunch of pictures from family albums and official files that makes the book even more lively. Sam's days as a young officer in the British Indian Army, being the Eastern Commander of Army of Independent India and of being a loving husband and father, active plant enthusiast and a kind, fun-loving man alongside being the Army Chief is thoroughly shared.
I personally enjoy reading non fictions and biographies thus this was a good experience for me. The book is well-written with kind recollections and should be enjoyed by interested individuals
August 12, 2022
It is rare we come across such stellar personalities that shaped the defense architecture of India enabling growth and development of the nation. Sam was one among them and stands apart with his unique personality. Apart from knowing about sam through the book, we get to understand the enigmatic character of the Indian Army and how a soldier like Sam is crafted out of the institution. Images in the book are well chosen and add to your overall understanding of the subject. Cheers to the authors for their time and effort in compiling this masterpiece.
September 4, 2022
This book is so good; it reads like a photo album of lovely anecdotes about Sam the wonderful person. All of you should read it, in my opinion. Keep this book close at hand at all times to serve as a reminder of the kind of person you should strive to be by adopting some of its virtues.
December 18, 2023
The good: exceptional stories and collection of pics. Amazing chronology. Lovely anecdotes.
The bad: the author has let his own bias take on to the story. It shows his hatred towards other arms and services, as Manekshaws own. One star taken away for that.
The bad: the author has let his own bias take on to the story. It shows his hatred towards other arms and services, as Manekshaws own. One star taken away for that.
December 19, 2023
A couple of interviews, seen a few years ago, and finally the film, seen a week ago got me here. What a man, what a stature! And you know a biography is a good one, when it manages to make you shed a few tears.
October 16, 2020
Can I rate more than 5??
January 21, 2022
One of the best biographies I have ever read.
January 26, 2023
A good book to know about the great man and his life. It is must read for all Indians and gives a good tribute to his work and sacrifices.
September 9, 2016
Excellent book extremely well written with a very engrossing narrative. A must for every Bharatiya old and young to truly understand how much our defense forces have sacrificed against Pakistani infiltration (West) East (now Bangaldesh) and aggression. If not for the bad political decisions taken then, we wouldn't have been witnessing the atrocities in PoK/Kashmir/Bangaldesh that we see today.Great leadership qualities and sense of humor dealing with tough situations of our very own field marshal Sam Manekshawji.A must buy and read for every jingo at heart. Excellent pictures add to the great read and the wonderful narrative. The letters of appreciation that our field marshal received are a great addition to the book. I can read this many more times and still enjoy it as much if not even more for every read. Extremely happy with the purchase. Awesome book quality. Hard to put down once you start reading. I would encourage everyone of our youngsters to read and truly appreciate the effort that has gone in to make the Bharat we live in today,if not for the political goof ups of the Nehru clan ever since independence.Kudos to the publishers. Looking forward for more such books on our Bharatiya military stalwarts.
September 12, 2015
On 15th August I was watching one of the documentaries on the 1971 war when I came across the towering personality of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. He is perhaps the most renowned Leader in the India's Military history. His strategic insights helped India outwit Pakistan in 1971.
This book is like a coffee table book. Glossy pages and full of interesting pictures . I have always been inspired by Defense personal and so I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Sam Manekshaw's great qualities like courage , quick decision making , wittiness and integrity come out nicely through anecdotes in this book. The book has been authored by Behram Panthaki who was the first aide to Sam Manekshaw.
Interestingly, I also got to know that Indians were commissioned as Officers in IMA Dehradun even before Independence. In the 1971 war , the Army Chiefs of both India and Pakistan were batch mates from IMA
This book is like a coffee table book. Glossy pages and full of interesting pictures . I have always been inspired by Defense personal and so I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Sam Manekshaw's great qualities like courage , quick decision making , wittiness and integrity come out nicely through anecdotes in this book. The book has been authored by Behram Panthaki who was the first aide to Sam Manekshaw.
Interestingly, I also got to know that Indians were commissioned as Officers in IMA Dehradun even before Independence. In the 1971 war , the Army Chiefs of both India and Pakistan were batch mates from IMA
November 3, 2019
Great lives...teaches us to be humble as we go up in the ranks
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews