On the 15th anniversary of his passing, we remember Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal and renowned military leader.
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Introduction
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, also known as Sam Manekshaw and Sam Bahadur, served as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian Army officer to attain the rank of field marshal. Sam Manekshaw is widely acclaimed as the mastermind behind India’s triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.
Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, Punjab, to a Parsi family. His journey in the armed forces began when he was selected for training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in 1932. Displaying extraordinary leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to duty, Manekshaw quickly rose through the ranks, leaving an indelible mark wherever he served.
The Indo-Pak War of 1971: A Triumph of Leadership
One of the defining moments in Sam Manekshaw’s illustrious career came during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. As the Chief of the Indian Army, Manekshaw masterfully strategized and executed military operations that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. His visionary leadership, meticulous planning, and ability to inspire his troops in the face of adversity were instrumental in achieving a decisive victory.
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Key Achievements
- World War II
- 1948 Kashmir War against Pakistan and Afghan tribals
- 1962 Indo-Sino War
- 1965 Indo-Pak War
- 1971 Indo-Pak War (where he achieved significant success)
About Sam Manekshaw
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly known as Sam Bahadur, was India’s first Field Marshal and a celebrated military general.He was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar to a Parsi family. His father, Hormusji Manekshaw, was a doctor in the British Indian Army during World War I.Despite initial resistance from his father, Manekshaw joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and excelled, securing the sixth rank in the entrance examination.He fought in the Second World War as part of the Indian National Army’s first course, called “The Pioneers.”Manekshaw married Siloo Bobde on April 22, 1939, in Bombay, and they had two daughters named Sherry and Maya.
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