Manekshaw's Last Words "I Am Okay"

Wellington, Jun 27 : "I am Okay," were the last few words, uttered by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, before he slipped into coma on June 25 and breathed his last early today.

This was disclosed by Dr M Prasad, the medical Practitioner who has been treating the Hero of 1971 Bangladesh War, which gave birth to that Nation, for the last seven years at the Military Hospital here.

In a in chat with newspersons, Dr Prasad said even during the final moments Manekshaw never lost his confidence.

He remained as a warrior and said I am okay, sporting a smile", a couple of minutes before slipping into a coma.

Showering praise on Sam Manekshaw, he said the Field Marshal was humble, charming and responding very well to the treatment.

"He was the easiest person to deal with," he added.

Ms Chillu Mehta, a family friend of Sam Manekshaw, said they were associated with the family of the Ex-Army Chief for the last four decades and never seen him pulling a long face. "We had never seen him getting angry," she added.

Sam Manekshaw's grandson Jehan said he was not only his grandfather, but was a good guide and philosopher. "Till his last days he was thinking about his country." "Even after his death, we (the family members) have a feeling that he is still living with us." Maya Barwal, Manekshaw's daughter, said her father loved the hill station very much and as per his wish the last rites were being performed in Udhagamandalam (Ooty).