Now a medical store, Sur and Co was once clinic of father of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Sam Manekshaw (centre) at Sur and Co shop in 1973; and (right) its present owner Naveen Marwaha cleans the chair that was used by Manekshaw’s father Dr HFJ Manekshaw when he had a clinic here decades ago. Photos: Sunil kumar

Sam Manekshaw (centre) at Sur and Co shop in 1973; and (right) its present owner Naveen Marwaha cleans the chair that was used by Manekshaw’s father Dr HFJ Manekshaw when he had a clinic here decades ago. Photos: Sunil kumar

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 15

As the armed forces celebrated 70th Army Day across the country, the holy city has its own remarkable association with an Army man who played a major role in 1971 Indo-Pak war and holds the honour of being the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army. Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was also known as Sam Bhadaur.A chemist shop here in the city — Sur and Co — situated at the Katra Ahulwalia area holds the memories of the Field Marshal through pictures of him and his parents. Presently a chemist shop, it was once clinic-cum-dispensary of Dr HFJ Manekshaw, father of Sam Bhadaur.At present, the shop belongs to Marwaha family. The warm relationship shared between the Maneshaw family and Devraj Marwaha, grandfather of Naveen Marwaha, who owns the chemist shop, is beyond words.Naveen Marwaha says, “My grandfather Devraj Marwaha used to assist Maneshaw Senior in his medical practice. My grandfather learnt each and everything from Dr Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. He shared a warm relationship with Sam Manekshaw, too. In fact, there was a regular exchange of letters between the Field Marshal and my grandfather. He paid a visit here in 1973. I have heard all good things about him.”The shop not only houses pictures, but also an antique chair of Dr HJ Manekshaw along with letters Sam Manekshaw wrote to Devraj Marwaha. The interior of the shop very much reflects the era gone by.Manekshaw was born in Amritsar on March 3, 1914. He did his schooling from PBN Senior Secondary School and took admission at Hindu College in 1931 and was part of the college for a year before moving for higher education. He visited the holy city in 1973.PK Sharma, Principal of Hindu College, said, “It is a matter of great honour that he was a student of this college.”The college has displayed his picture along with other distinguished alumni at a special corridor on the premises of the college. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was also awarded Padma Vibhushan for his services. He belonged to one of the first batches of the Indian Military Academy.

Army day observed

• An event was held at the Amritsar Cantonment on Monday to celebrate Army Day 2018. Major General DK Nautiyal, General Commanding Officer, Panther Division, laid the wreath at the Army Inspirational Park.