Every time we address the 1971 war, Sam Manekshaw’s name comes up. That year, he was the man who made our victory over Pakistan possible. He was known as ‘Sam Bahadur’ or ‘Sam the Brave’ for his four decades of service to our country. Check out some interesting facts about India’s First Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw.
1. First Indian Army Officer
Sam Manekshaw was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal. He was born in Amritsar to Parsi parents.
2. First Indian To Become A Field Marshal
Sam Manekshaw was the first Indian to be appointed as a Field Marshal. During the partition, he first showed his managerial abilities. Sam Manekshaw was active in providing logistical solutions and decision-making during the 1947 partition. In addition, during Jammu and Kashmir’s operations in 1947 and 1948, he showed his skill as a fighter.
3. Sam Manekshaw Known As Sam Bahadur
Sam Bahadur was his nickname. He was born in Amritsar on April 3, 1914. Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was his full name.
4. Wished To Become A Doctor
Manekshaw aspired to be a doctor like his military doctor father, but fate had other plans for him.
5. Participated In Five Wars
Sam Manekshaw served in the Army for 40 years, fighting in five wars: World War II, the 1947 India-Pakistan war, the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the 1965 India-Pakistan war, and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
6. Sam Manekshaw Served As A Captain
During World War II, Sam Manekshaw was a captain with the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma, where he clinched the victory over the Japanese.
7. Service Extended By Six Months
In 1972, the President signed a special order extending his tenure for another six months. He persisted despite his reluctance out of respect for the President.
8. Willing To Put His Country First
He is always willing to put his country first. Indira Gandhi is said to have asked Sam about the Indian Army’s readiness and preparations shortly before the 1971 Indo-Pak war, to which he replied, “I am always ready, sweetie.” Because of his Parsi links, he had a special relationship with Indira Gandhi, whom he referred to as a “sweetie/sweetheart.”
9. Cheated Death Many Times
Sam cheated death on many occasions, both on and off the battlefield.
10. Born To Serve The Indian Army
Despite losing half his soldiers, Sam Manekshaw led his team to victory. He was also seriously wounded by light machine-gun fire, but he persisted in urging his soldiers to fight, which led to the Sittang bridge’s capture. Major General David Cowan, the 17th Infantry Division’s Commander-in-Chief, saluted his courage and determination upon hearing of his conduct.
11. Decorated With Military Cross
Sam Manekshaw was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery when it was feared he would die.
12. Second-Highest Civilian Award
He was also given the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honor.
13. Famous Quote
According to him, “If a man says he is not afraid of death, he is either lying or a Gorkha.”
14. Vicky Kaushal As Sam Manekshaw
Vicky Kaushal is playing the role of Sam Manekshaw in his biopic. The biopic has given the title Sam Bahadur on his 107th birth anniversary.
In 2008, he died of pneumonia at the military hospital in Wellington. Sam Manekshaw, you are a real hero and inspiration to billions. The nation will never forget you.
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