A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held today at the Parsi and Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty to mark the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. Known as one of India’s most revered military leaders, Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008, and played a decisive role in India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
Military officials and members of the Parsi community gathered to pay tribute to the former Chief of Army Staff, who became India’s first Field Marshal in January 1973. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The ceremony was conducted with full military honors and was accompanied by traditional Zoroastrian customs at the resting site.
The event also served as a moment of reflection on Manekshaw’s legacy—his strategic foresight, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to duty. Despite facing initial opposition from within the military establishment regarding his promotion, Manekshaw rose to become a unifying figure in India’s defense history.
The cemetery, decorated with floral tributes, offered a serene setting for the remembrance. The Parsi burial practices observed there emphasize ecological harmony and reflect the community’s spiritual beliefs. With the Parsi population in India estimated at around 60,000 as per the 2011 Census, the community remains a vital thread in the country’s diverse cultural fabric.
Field Marshal Manekshaw’s leadership and legacy continue to inspire India’s armed forces, symbolizing courage, professionalism, and service to the nation.
