A Yes Man Is A Dangerous Man: Remembering Sam 'Bahadur' Manekshaw on his 11th death anniversary

He began his service in the British Indian Army in World War II, for which he won the Military Cross for gallantry. (Express Archives)

Always sporting a handlebar moustache, Manekshaw affectionately called Sam Bahadur, was the architect of several military victories. However, he rose to prominence when the Pakistani forces were brought to their knees in merely 14 days, resulting in thr creation of Bangladesh. (Express archives)

Known for his witty replies, just before the Bangladesh operations in December 1971, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Manekshaw, who was the Army Chief then, 'General, are you ready (for the war)?' Pat came the reply from the dapper officer, 'I am always ready, sweetie.' Gandhi was not unpleased, nor offended. (Express archives)

Manekshaw, whose distinguished military career spanned four decades from the British era and through five wars has also survived near fatal wounds during the Second World War in Burma. (Express archives)

Manekshaw was the first of only two Indian military officers — the other being Field Marshal K M Cariappa — to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal of the Indian Army. (Express archives)

A 'Yes man' is a dangerous man. He is a menace. He will go very far. He can become a minister, a secretary or a Field Marshall but he can never become a leader nor, ever be respected. He will be used by his superiors, disliked by his colleagues and despised by his subordinates. So discard the 'Yes man', Manekshaw said. IN PICTURE: Field Marshal Manekshaw with sprint queen PT Usha at the National Committee meeting on the 50th anniversary of India's independence in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

The defence minister Jagjivan Ram congratulated the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and the Air Force on the outstanding performance of the armed forces on december 17, 1971. (From right)Jagjivan Ram, SHFJ Manekshaw, chief of naval staff Admiral SM Nanda and chief of the Air Force staff Air Chief Marshal P C Lal. (Express archives)

Manekshaw married Siloo Bode on 22 April 1939 in Bombay. The couple had two daughters, Sherry and Maya. In photo: Manekshaw meeting an Army soldier injured in Kargil war. (Photo | PTI)

Manekshaw died of complications from pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, at 12:30 a.m. on 27 June 2008 at the age of 94. Reportedly, his last words were 'I'm okay!'