Who was Sam Manekshaw? All About First Indian Field Marshal

India is celebrating the birth anniversary of 8th COAS and 1st Field Marshal of Indian Army. Sam Manekshaw was the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His active military career spanned four decades, beginning with service in World War II.

Remembering the Legend…

Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, popularly known as 'Sam Bahadur', was the 8th #COAS and 1st Field Marshal of #IndianArmy. He was the architect of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. #IndianArmy pays tribute to #SamBahadur on his… pic.twitter.com/ko0IxGWmEX

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) April 3, 2024

Who was Sam Manekshaw?

Sam Manekshaw (April 3, 1914 – June 27, 2008), also known as Sam Bahadur ("Sam the Brave"), was the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal. He is widely regarded as the architect of India's victory during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.

Manekshaw was born in Amritsar, Punjab, British India, on April 3, 1914. He joined the British Indian Army in 1932 and served with distinction during World War II. After the war, he played a key role in the integration of the Indian Army and the Pakistani Army.

In 1969, Manekshaw was appointed as the Chief of the Army Staff. He was responsible for modernising the Indian Army and preparing it for war with Pakistan. In 1971, India went to war with Pakistan to support the Bengali nationalist movement in East Pakistan. Manekshaw led the Indian Army to victory in the war, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.

Manekshaw was a highly respected and decorated soldier. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan, and the Military Cross. He was also the first Indian Army officer to be awarded the rank of field marshal.

Related Story | What Is the True Story of ‘Mission Raniganj’, the Inspiration for Akshay Kumar’s Film?

Manekshaw was known for his courage, strategic brilliance, and sense of humour. He was also a strong advocate for secularism and democracy in India. Manekshaw is a national hero in India. He is remembered for his leadership and his role in India's victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.

In a recent Bollywood film, Vicky Kaushal played the role of Sam Manekshaw. The movie is directed by Meghna Gulzar and is scheduled to be released in 2023.

Directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, the movie is a biopic of Sam Manekshaw and will chronicle his life and career, including his role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. It was released in theatres worldwide on December 1, 2023.

Watch Sam Bahadur's trailer here: