Sam Manekshaw: Indian Field Marshal

 Written by: Ushasi Dey

Edited by: Yashi Shah

SAM MANEKSHAW: PRIDE OF INDIA

Sam Manekshaw Or better known as, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, Indian field marshal and the military hero was born April 3, 1914, Amritsar, British India and died June 27, 2008, Wellington, India, as chief of staff (1969–73) of the Indian armed forces, was credited with India’s swift military victory in December 1971 over Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

 He studied at Sherwood College in Nainital, Hindu Sabhya College in Amritsar, and the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun, receiving his commission in 1934 as part of the first class of Indian cadets. Manekshaw’s career spanned five wars—World War II (in which he was awarded the Military Cross), the India-Pakistan war of partition (1947), the Sino-Indian War (1962), and the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars—which earned him the nickname “Sam Bahadur.” 

In early 1971, Manekshaw over Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s objections, postponed intervening in the war between West Pakistan and secessionist East Pakistan (Bangladesh) until the monsoon season was over. Indian forces finally crossed the border on December 3, and on December 16, Pakistan surrendered almost without a fight. Shortly before his retirement in 1973, Manekshaw was made field marshal, one of only two Indian soldiers ever to receive the title. He was honoured with two of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan (1968) and the Padma Vibhushan (1972).

 An announcement that a Bollywood film featuring Vicky Kaushal will be made on Indian war hero Sam Manekshaw has seen him trend on social media 11 years after his death. Manekshaw is arguably India's best-known army general. Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar told PTI news agency that while the film will be based on his life, it won't necessarily be a biopic. "I'm looking at the man, his life, and his times," she said. Kaushal also took to Twitter, saying he was "honoured and proud" to play the role of a comrade. Sam Manekshaw's name will be etched in history as one of the greatest soldiers and minds India has ever seen," Ronnie Screwvala, whose company RSVP is producing the film, told Indian media.