When Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the President of India, he visited Coonoor. On arriving, he learned that Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was admitted to the Military Hospital there. Though unscheduled, Dr. Kalam expressed his desire to visit the ailing legend, and special arrangements were swiftly made. At the bedside, Dr. Kalam spent about fifteen minutes conversing with FM Manekshaw, inquiring about his health with genuine warmth and concern.
As Dr. Kalam prepared to leave, he asked FM Manekshaw with heartfelt sincerity, “Are you comfortable? Is there anything I can do for you? Do you have any grievances or needs that would make you feel better?”
With characteristic grace, FM Manekshaw replied, “Yes, Your Excellency, I do have one grievance.” Deeply moved and alarmed, Dr. Kalam leaned in to ask what it was.
FM Manekshaw, with a twinkle in his eye, said, “Sir, my grievance is that I am not able to get up and salute my most respected President of our beloved country.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Dr. Kalam held FM Manekshaw’s hand as both men shed tears of mutual respect and admiration.
Beyond this moving moment, FM Manekshaw shared a long-standing concern—that he had not been paid the pension due to him as a Field Marshal for nearly two decades.
Dr. Kalam, visibly distressed by this grave oversight, returned to Delhi and acted with unparalleled urgency. Within a week, he ensured that the pension, along with arrears totaling nearly ₹1.25 crores, was approved. A cheque was personally dispatched to Wellington, Ooty, via the Defence Secretary on a special flight. Such was the greatness of a President who valued justice and honor above all.
However, the story doesn’t end there.
FM Sam Manekshaw, exemplifying his legendary selflessness and devotion to the nation, received the cheque and promptly donated the entire amount to the Army Relief Fund.
Both men—Dr. Kalam, with his empathetic leadership and unwavering sense of duty, and FM Manekshaw, with his humility and undying love for his soldiers—demonstrated a caliber of greatness that continues to inspire generations.
( The content is copied from the wall of a FaceBook user Praveen Kumar @praveenkaudlay , a doctor residing in Bengaluru )
