Amid India-Pakistan tensions, our Editor-in-Chief, Kamiya Jani had a great conversation with Major General G.D. Bakshi (Retd.) at his home. A blend of emotional, inspiring and light-hearted conversations revolving around his time in the Indian Army took place. On this episode of Sandese Aate Hai, Major General G.D. Bakshi also graciously spoke about his first meeting with Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a towering personality in the Indian Army.
Major General G.D. Bakshi Speaks About His First Meeting With Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
While talking to Kamiya Jani, Major General G.D. Bakshi, who is one of India’s most decorated war veterans, spoke about enrolling in the National Defence Academy (NDA) in July 1976. In 1970, he passed out of the NDA, and to congratulate the graduates and commemorate the prestigious event, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw arrived at the institution. Major General G.D. Bakshi revealed that, unlike other generals who often gave long speeches, tiring the battalion during parades, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw presented a short speech. He spoke impromptu without any prompts or even a piece of paper in his hand.
“Woh aise bolte the jaise machine gun fire hota hai,” observed G.D. Bakshi. “You either win or you die,” were Sam Mankeshaw’s powerful words. He also told them to remember that there was no place in the Army for a defeated soldier. “You either win or you die,” these words continue to ring in G.D. Bakshi’s ears. Sam Mankeshaw, known by his monicker, ‘Sam Bahadur’, held the rank of Field Marshal. The highest attainable rank in the Indian Army and he was also a Padma Bhushan awardee.
Also Read: Major General GD Bakshi: “The Bond Between The Soldiers Is The Best Part Of The Army”
He Shares A Fascinating Fact About Indian Military Academy In Dehradun
After his training at NDA, Major General G.D. Bakshi next headed to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He revealed the most fascinating aspect about this academy is that it’s located in the exact same spot where Guru Dronacharya from the Mahabharata era, was believed to have trained the Pandavas and Kauravas in war and weaponry, 5000 years ago. He pointed out how the Britishers chose the spot unknowingly to build a military academy, thus continuing a cultural continuity.
Also Read: 5 Shooting Locations Of Samबहादुर; The Biopic On Sam Manekshaw
Our conversation with Major General G.D. Bakshi on Sandese Aate Hai was one riddled with inspiration and admiration. And if you too wish to get a glimpse of his courageous life, then watch Sandese Aate Hai on Curly Tales YouTube channel.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal