Vijay Jagtap

I was posted in Mumbai in 2002 and was assigned as Security officer to the great Field Marshal Manekshaw, who was visiting Mumbai for a Parsi community event. Escorting the great Sam Bahadur in Mumbai for two days besides him in the car and at events was an experience of a lifetime. His charisma was overwhelming. Interaction with him ranged from WWII, 1971 to valour of my regt, Rajputana Rifles to Gorkhas. An event was organised in the evening at NCPA Nariman Point by the Parsi community and Sam Manekshaw was to attend. I escorted him into the auditorium. There was a huge gathering and someone was performing on the stage amidst loud cheer and laughs. As soon as we entered, the performer stopped and announced Sam's arrival. The entire audience rose and started singing a Parsi song, clapping and cheering. Sam was escorted to the centre chair and seated. People started crowding around him, touching him, holding him, talking to him with utmost respect and love. I, a young captain, in uniform with a pistol in the holster,seized by my duty, tried to make space around him urging everyone to move. A person sat with one knee on the floor, holding Sam's hand with both his hands talking affectionately. I asked this person politely to move. This person, still on the floor, looked at me and said, "Don't worry son, he is ours, we will take care of him". Before I could say something, I realised that I know this person. And yes, it was the great Ratan Tata. His eyes were so full of compassion and respect and love and confidence. I said, "Yes Sir" and just took few steps back and realised the gathering was the who's who, the Godrejs, the Wadias, the Poonawalas, Bhabhas, Mistrys.....what a community. What contribution they have made to make our nation great. The minority of the minorities, but contributions to India in all fields from business to armed forces to philanthropy to scientists. My eyes swelled and it remains my most inspirational moment. If these people do so much for India inspite of no reservations and no expectations from the government, then I have no excuses. Never met the great Ratan Tata and Sam Bahadur again, but they remain on the highest pedestal in my life. Adieu humble TITAN 🥂. Vijay Jagtap