The family of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw held a prayer meeting today at his grave in Ooty to mark what would have been his 98th birthday. He died in 2008 of pneumonia.
Among those who attended the simple ceremony were Defence Minister AK Antony and Army Chief General VK Singh. This was their first public meeting since last week, when their relationship teetered on the brink of the unsalvageable. The two arrived together, and were standing next to each other as they laid wreaths on Field Marshal Manekshaw's grave.
Last week, the chief disclosed that he had told Mr Antony in 2010 about a 14-crore bribe that had been offered to him. The minister retorted that he had urged the chief to take follow-up action, but the General had refused. Then came the leak of a confidential letter from the General to the Prime Minister, detailing how unprepared the army is because of archaic equipment. Opposition leaders blamed the chief for the leak, leading to speculation about whether he would be dismissed. General Singh forcefully denied the charges, while the minister said all three serving chiefs enjoy the government's confidence, diffusing the tension.
Yesterday, sources in the Intelligence Bureau, which is investigating the leak said that early inquiries suggest the chief or his supporters do not appear to be responsible for sharing the letter with the media.
Field Marshal Manekshaw was one of India's most celebrated heroes and respected officers, responsible for the country's greatest military victory. He led India's troops against Pakistan in the war that ended with the creation of Bangladesh. "He will be an inspiration for generations of armed forces and generations of patriotic Indians," the Defence Minister said after paying tribute.
Today's prayer meet was organised by his two daughters and their children. Among other officers who attended was Lt Gen Bikram Singh who will take over as Army Chief when General VK Singh steps down at the end of May.