In his military career, Sam Manekshaw saw five wars.
Sam Manekshaw was honoured with two of India’s highest civilian honours. He got the Padma Bhushan in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.
Sam Manekshaw, fondly known as Sam Bahadur, is amongst some of the most famous figures of the Indian Army. The former chief of army staff served the country during several wars and conflicts. He became the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, which is the highest attainable rank in the Indian Army.
Sam Manekshaw was born in a Parsi family on April 3, 1914. His father Hormusji Manekshaw was a doctor. His brother Jemi Hormusji Framji Manekshaw served in the Indian Air Force and became Air Vice Marshal.
In his military career, Sam Manekshaw saw five wars, starting from World War II. He then saw the 1948 Kashmir War Against Pakistan, the 1962 Indo-Sino War, 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.
In 2023, his legacy was shown on the big screen in the biopic film, simply named Sam Bahadur. Actor Vicky Kaushal played the titular role.
Other than his stellar military record, Sam Manekshaw was also known for his robust personality. He is credited with the famous quote, “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is Gorkha.” Sam Manekshaw succumbed to pneumonia on June 27, 2008. He was 94 years old. In 2014, his statue was erected in Wellington, the place where he died.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sam Manekshaw
- Sam Manekshaw was fluent in Punjabi as he was born in Amritsar where he spent his initial years. He would often talk to Sikh soldiers in Punjabi.
- Sam Manekshaw was honoured with two of India’s highest civilian honours. He got the Padma Bhushan in 1968 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.
- A postage stamp depicting Sam Manekshaw in his Field Marshal’s uniform was released by former president Pratibha Patil on December 16, 2008.
- He was given the title “Bahadur” by the troops of the 8 Gorkha Rifles, who were very fond of him. He held the ceremonial position of Colonel of the Regiment with the Gorkha Rifles.
- Famous author Salman Rushdie mentioned Sam Manekshaw in his Booker Prize-winning novel Midnight’s Children. He is mentioned in a chapter entitled “Sam and the Tiger”.
