Sherry Batliwala, born Sherry Manekshaw, is the elder daughter of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian military history. Despite being part of such a high-profile family, Sherry Batliwala has lived a relatively private life, earning respect in her own right through her professional contributions and graceful demeanor.
Early Life and Family Background
Sherry Batliwala was born on 11 January 1940, in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, into a distinguished Parsi military family. Her father, Sam Manekshaw, played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Army during and after independence, particularly during the 1971 Indo-Pak war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Her mother, Silloo Manekshaw, was known for her social work and dedication to family.
Growing up in a disciplined and service-oriented household, Sherry and her sister Maja Daruwala were instilled with values of integrity, education, and quiet determination. Maja later became a prominent human rights activist and lawyer.
Education and Professional Life
Sherry pursued higher education in hospitality and travel management, a sector that was gaining momentum in post-independence India. She attended Lambton College in Canada and was later awarded a gold medal in Front Office Operations from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM).
Professionally, she built a reputable career in the travel and airline industries:
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Air India: Sherry began her professional journey with India’s national carrier, gaining valuable experience in airline hospitality and customer service.
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Mercury Travels (Bengaluru): She rose to the position of Regional Manager, overseeing operations and setting high standards in corporate travel management.
Her expertise and work ethic made her a respected name in the corporate hospitality circle of India during her career years.
Personal Life of Sherry Batliwala
Sherry married Dinky Batliwala, a professional who worked with Swiss Air. The couple met while both were employed in the aviation industry. Together, they built a life grounded in mutual respect and quiet achievement.
They have a daughter, Brandy Batliwala, who has pursued a career in hospitality and lived between New York and Goa, reflecting the family’s cosmopolitan and service-oriented background.
Sherry currently resides in Chennai, leading a peaceful retired life while occasionally attending events commemorating her father’s legacy.
Life as the Daughter of a National Hero
Being the daughter of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw inevitably placed Sherry in the public eye, especially during significant anniversaries or public ceremonies honoring her father’s contributions. However, she has consistently chosen to keep a low profile, rarely making public statements or seeking media attention.
Her quiet dignity and grace reflect the values her family stood for—service, discipline, and humility.
Contributions and Legacy
While Sherry Batliwala did not pursue a public or political role, her life offers insight into the often-unseen world of family members who support, adapt, and uphold the legacy of national heroes without seeking the limelight. Her career achievements in hospitality and corporate travel helped her carve out an identity distinct from her father’s military legacy.
Through her daughter Brandy, and her own professional standards, Sherry has influenced a new generation rooted in global hospitality and modern professionalism.
Summary Table: Sherry Batliwala at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sherry D. Batliwala (née Manekshaw) |
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1940 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 85 years |
| Father | Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw |
| Mother | Silloo Manekshaw |
| Sibling | Maja Daruwala (Human Rights Advocate) |
| Spouse | Dinky Batliwala (Swiss Air professional) |
| Child | Brandy Batliwala |
| Education | Hospitality Degree, IIHM Gold Medalist |
| Career Highlights | Air India, Regional Manager at Mercury Travels |
| Current Residence | Chennai, India |
Final Thoughts
Sherry Batliwala represents a generation of dignified women who contributed significantly in professional spheres while remaining anchored in strong family values. While her father is immortalized in military history, Sherry’s own life story offers a compelling portrait of humility, service, and quiet leadership.
Her journey—marked by discipline, global exposure, and professionalism—reminds us that legacy is not just inherited, but also lived and passed forward with grace.
