It was surprising for me because Manekshaw never smoked. I asked some colleagues later and they said that he had known the peon for long and knew that he smoked. Therefore, he had especially bought a packet of cigarettes for him.

His dictum, which he shared with all of us was, “Don’t go for any major operation till you are fully prepared”, which he practised in the face of strong pressure in 1971 war, came in handy for me 28 years later as COAS. I also resisted all pressures and criticism and mounted attack during the Kargil operations only when we were completely prepared.

Though there were questions raised about the silence of the Indian army despite being aware of the presence of intruders, I took about six days to get my forces prepared for a major attack. We hit them hard, very hard and recaptured our land.

I also learnt from Sam to visit the forward areas during war to boost the morale of troops, and so I did during Kargil war. In fact, I fondly remember the day when Manekshaw visited my home during the Kargil operation to boost my morale. Though we did not discuss any strategy, his presence was enough to motivate me.

The very next day, the Field Marshal visited injured soldiers in hospital along with my wife. The soldiers were both moved and motivated. He was a great personality and the nation has lost one of its biggest heroes. For me it is also a personal loss.

... contd.