AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 43 of 170 soon erupted into a full-scale war in December 1971. Page 32 During the military campaign, Manekshaw showed uncommon ability to motivate the forces, coupling it with a mature war strategy. The war ended with Pakistan’s unconditional surrender, and the formation of Bangladesh. More than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers were taken as POWs. For his selfless service to the nation, the President of India awarded him a Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and conferred upon him the rank of Field Marshal on 1st January 1973. Manekshaw became the first Indian General to be awarded this prestigious rank, which is mainly honorary. Manekshaw retired a fortnight later, on 15th January 1973, after completing nearly four decades of military service. For more details please see “Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Soldiering with Dignity, by Lieutenant General Depinder Singh, NatrajPublishers, Rs 450” Sri Rama Navami Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh reincarnation of Lord Vishnu Lord Rama was born on the ninth day of the Hindu month Chaitra and that is why that day is called Ram Navami. Ram Navami is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. On this day, people observe a fast. Many devotees fast for nine days. In all the Ram mandirs, Aarti and Pooja are performed during the noon hours, the time of Lord Rama’s birth. At the end of the rites and rituals, which includes abhishek of Lord Rama and Shiva and chanting of Bhajans , the priest performs the peace chant with sprinkling of consecrated water. Prasad of sweets and fruits is given to people attending the pooja . Legend Lord Vishnu took the seventh avatar as Lord Ram to destroy the demon King Ravana. Ravana was very powerful and his tyranny knew no bounds. Sages were not able to perform their rituals under his reign. So, to destroy Ravana, Lord Vishnu took his seventh avtaar as the son of Kaushalya, the first queen of king Dasharath. The king had two other queens, Kaikeyi and Sumitra and three children from them - Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughna.