Monday, November 7 2005 15:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The condition of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was rushed to the Army's Specialised Research and Referral Hospital here for treatment from Tamil Nadu early this morning (Nov 07, 2005), has improved, doctors said.

Ninety-one-year-old Manekshaw was suffering from pneumonia and renal problems but his condition was stable, doctors attending on him said.

He was rushed to Army Referral Hospital here after being flown in from his home in Wellington in Tamil Nadu early this morning.

Manekshaw, the sole surviving Field Marshal in the Indian Army, led the country to victory in Bangladesh operations.

A veteran of Burma campaign in second World War, he was decorated with nation's second highest award Padma Vibhushan after the 1971 Indo-Pak war and has settled in Wellington in Conoor dictrict in Tamil Nadu after retirement.

He was admitted to the Military Hospital there following complaints of breathlessness four days ago.

Manekshaw was the first officer to be appointed Field Marshal in the Indian Army after retirement in 1973 in recognition of his role in the Bangladesh Operation.

Subsequently late K M Cariappa, the first Indian Army officer to resume command as Commander in Chief of Indian Army in early 50s, was also conferred the rank of Field Marshall.