Famous Quotations by Sam Manekshaw
On the military knowledge of politicians: "I wonder whether those of our political masters who have been put in charge of the defence of the country can distinguish a mortar from a motor; a gun from a howitzer; a guerrilla from a gorilla, although a great many resemble the latter."
On being asked by Indira Gandhi if he was ready to fight on the eve of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971: I am always ready, sweetie."
On being placed in command of the retreating 4 Corps during the Sino-Indian War of 1962: There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.
About the Gurkha: "If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha."
To a surgeon who was going to give up on his bullet-riddled body who asked him what had happened and got the reply, I was kicked by a donkey. A joker at such a time, the surgeon reckoned, had a chance.