The ‘Johnson Garden’, located at Breach Candy in South Mumbai, has been renamed as ‘Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Garden’, honouring the legendary Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, who presided as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pak war, 1971. Born in 1914, Sam Manekshaw is widely regarded as the architect of India’s victory in this crucial war.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (April 3, 1914 – June 27, 2008) was given this ‘green salute’ on 14^th October, 2024, as senior BJP leader and MLA – Malabar Hill, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, renamed the existing Johnson Garden, as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Garden. The occasion was also attended by several community members, including a few BPP Trustees. It was indeed a moment of pride for the community, with many voicing delight at this much deserved recognition of India’s iconic war hero.

Lodha suggested that a large plaque also be placed in the park, sharing some instances from Maneckshaw’s valiant history. He also encouraged the suggestion of a QR code for people to scan and read. A BMC official present at the event shared plans to change some of the park’s equipment, with a new name allocated to the gate as well.

Community members shared delightful snippets from the Field Marshal’s life, regaling all with his exemplary sense of humour. A famous Manekshaw anecdote included him telling then PM Indira Gandhi, “You keep your nose out of my affairs, and I will keep my nose out of yours,” when questioned by her to clear the air about rumours with reference to an army takeover. Sam Bahadur, as he was warmly known in the Army, was also renowned for his extraordinary leadership, which continues to inspire world leaders even today.

A number of places have been named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, in his honour. Some of these include ‘The Manekshaw Centre’ – a multi-utility convention centre, one of the best institutions of the Indian Army, spread over 25 acres of landscaped area; The ‘Manekshaw Parade Ground’ – in Bangalore, where Republic Day celebrations of Karnataka are held each year; ‘Manekshaw Bridge’ – on the Ooty-Coonoor road; ‘Manekshaw Flyover Bridge’, in Ahmedabad’s Shivranjeeni area, was named after him in 2008 by then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi; and another road in Gujarat. A life-size granite statue was also erected in his honour at Wellington, close to the Manekshaw Bridge in 2014.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was born on 3rd April, 1914, in Amritsar to Hormusji Manekshaw (a doctor) and Heerabai. He completed his schooling in Amritsar and passed the Junior Cambridge from Sherwood College, Nainital, finally graduating from Hindu College, Amritsar just prior to being selected as a Gentleman Cadet to join the IMA. He was married to Siloo Bode. He became the Chief of Army in 1969 and retired from active service in 1973, to settle down with his wife in Conoor, Tamil Nadu, a civilian town next to Wellington Military Cantonment, where he breathed his last in June 2008, at age 94.

His decorated military career spanned four decades, which witnessed the transition of India’s armed forces from the British India Army to the Indian Army. In his glorious military career, Manekshaw fought five wars – WW II; 1947 (Kashmir War against Pakistan and Afghan tribals); 1962 (Indo-Sino); 1965 (Indo-Pak); and 1971 (Indo-Pak). He was the recipient of an array of eminent awards and honours, including the Military Cross – Gallantry (1942); Padma Bhushan (1968); Padma Vibhushan (1972); Fêted as honorary General of the Nepalese Army (1972); promoted to a 5-Star rank of a Field Marshall – the first ever Indian to receive this honour (1973); and the Order of Tri Shakti Patta, First Class – an order of Knighthood of the Kingdom of Nepal (1977).