विंध्य सांस्कृतिक मंच

Sam Manekshaw 

Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw (1914–2008), popularly known as “Sam Bahadur,” was the first Indian Army officer promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal. Renowned for his leadership in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, he is remembered as one of India’s most celebrated military commanders.

Key facts

Born: April 3, 1914 (Amritsar, India)

Died: June 27, 2008 (Wellington, Tamil Nadu)

Service years: 1934 – 1973

Rank: Field Marshal (1973)

Major honors: Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Vibhushan (1972)

Early life and military beginnings

Born into a Parsi family, Manekshaw was initially drawn to medicine like his father. After being denied permission to study in London, he joined the first batch of the Indian Military Academy in 1932 and was commissioned in 1934 into the 12th Frontier Force Regiment of the British Indian Army. During the Second World War, he fought in Burma, where he was severely wounded and awarded the Military Cross for gallantry. 

Leadership and the 1971 war

As Chief of the Army Staff from 1969, Manekshaw reorganized and modernized India’s forces. During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, he advised Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to delay action until full preparedness. His strategic planning led to a swift 13-day victory and the creation of Bangladesh, with over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendering—the largest capitulation since World War II. 

Personality and legacy

Known for wit, courage, and integrity, Manekshaw’s rapport with soldiers and political leaders became legendary—his informal retort “I am always ready, Sweetie” to Indira Gandhi epitomized his candor. After retirement, he settled in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. His humor and professionalism set enduring standards for civil-military relations in India. 

Family and remembrance

Manekshaw married Silloo Bode in 1939 and had two daughters, Sheru Batliwala and Maja Daruwala. His life inspired the 2023 biographical film Sam Bahadur. Monuments, postal stamps, and the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi commemorate his service.