Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, affectionately known as Sam Bahadur ("Sam the Brave"), remains one of the most iconic figures in Indian military history. Manekshaw fought in five wars and forty years during his extraordinary career.
Early Life and Education
Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, Punjab, British India in a Parsi Family.
His parents Hormizd Manekshaw, a doctor, and Hilla Mehta, both Parsis, had moved to Amritsar from Valsad in Gujarat.
Manekshaw began his educational journey at Sherwood College in Nainital, where he developed a keen interest in academics and extracurricular activities. He later returned to Amritsar to continue his studies at Hindu Sabha College. However, it was at the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in 1932 that Manekshaw's destiny began to unfold.
The Making of a Soldier
Manekshaw improved his military prowess at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom after completing his training at the IMA. He served in several in the British Indian Army during World War II.
Manekshaw demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Burma Campaign even after suffering serious injuries. In 1942, he was awarded the Military Cross.
Chief Architect of Indo-Pak War in 1971
Manekshaw's most celebrated achievement came as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, which he assumed in 1969, during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Under Manekshaw's strategic guidance, the Indian Army achieved victory, leading to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
Manekshaw was known for his courage, strategic brilliance, and sense of humour. When asked about the army's preparedness, he famously told Indira Gandhi during the war,
"I am always ready, sweetie,"
The First Field Marshal of India
Manekshaw became the first Indian Army officer to attain the prestigious rank of field marshal on January 1, 1973.
Sam ‘Bahadur’
He is affectionately known as Sam Bahadur ("Sam the Brave"), as a term of respect, with "Bahadur" meaning "brave" or "valiant" in Hindi. This nickname is given by soldiers of the 8th Gorkha Rifles where he was reassigned after the Independence in 1947.
Manekshaw's famous words,
"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha,"
Awards and Achievements
He was honored with:
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Poorvi Techstar
- Raksha Medal Sangram
- Indian Independence Medal
- 25th Independence Anniversary Medal
- 20 Years Long Service Medal
- 9 Years Long Service Medal
- Military Cross (MC)
- Burma Star War Medal
- Burma Gallantry Medal
His Biopic
Recently, Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal starred in the biopic "Sam Bahadur," directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film, released on December 1, 2023, portrays the legendary army figure Sam Manekshaw and his pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.
After Retirement
After retiring from active service, Manekshaw led a quiet life in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, where he remained a revered figure until his passing on June 27, 2008
(Inputs from Agencies)
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