Sam Manekshaw, First Field Marshal of India, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, affectionately known as Sam Bahadur, was the Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
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Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, affectionately known as Sam Bahadur, was the Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, a distinguished military leader whose career spanned four decades and five wars. Starting at the Indian Military Academy in 1932, he earned the Military Cross in World War II. Despite never commanding an infantry battalion during the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War and the Hyderabad crisis, his strategic prowess was evident. Rising through the ranks, he became the seventh Chief of Army Staff in 1969, overseeing victorious campaigns in 1971 that led to the creation of Bangladesh. Recognized with the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, his legacy of courage and leadership remains an enduring inspiration.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family
Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, Punjab, to Hormizd and Hilla Manekshaw, both Parsis originally from Valsad, Gujarat. His father, a doctor, had served in the British Indian Army’s Indian Medical Service during World War II. Sam was the fifth child and third son in a family of four sons and two daughters. His elder brothers pursued careers in engineering, while his sisters became teachers. One of his brothers, Jami, followed their father’s footsteps into the medical field and served in the Royal Indian Air Force, later retiring as an air vice marshal in the Indian Air Force.
Education
Sam Manekshaw attended Sherwood College in Nainital for his secondary education, graduating at the young age of 15. Despite his desire to study medicine in London, financial constraints led him to enroll at Hindu Sabha College in Amritsar. However, fate had other plans for him when he applied and was accepted to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. In 1932, he joined the first batch of cadets, known as “The Pioneers,” where he excelled and was eventually commissioned as a second lieutenant on February 1, 1935.
Indian Military Academy
During his time at the Indian Military Academy, Manekshaw’s leadership qualities began to shine. Despite facing disciplinary issues, such as being almost suspended for missing drills, he proved his mettle and graduated alongside 21 other cadets. Among his peers were notable figures like Smith Dun and Muhammad Musa Khan, who would go on to become commanders-in-chief of Burma and Pakistan, respectively. Manekshaw’s tenure at the academy marked the beginning of a distinguished military career that would see him become the first Indian Army officer to attain the rank of field marshal.
Military Career Highlights
Commissioned Service and World War II
Upon commissioning, Sam Manekshaw served with British regiments before joining the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, stationed in Burma. During World War II, he displayed exemplary bravery, leading his company in the Battle of Pagoda Hill despite severe casualties. Manekshaw’s valor earned him the Military Cross, pinned on him by Major General David Cowan on the battlefield.
Battle Injuries and Recovery
Manekshaw sustained severe injuries during the battle, including wounds to his stomach and multiple organs. Evacuated from the battlefield, he underwent life-saving surgery, showcasing his remarkable resilience. Despite the odds, he recovered and continued his military career, attending staff courses and assuming key command positions.
Post-Independence Service
Following India’s independence and the partition in 1947, Manekshaw’s unit became part of the Pakistan Army, leading to his reassignment to the 8th Gorkha Rifles. However, he refused an offer from Muhammad Ali Jinnah to join the Pakistani Army. Instead, he served in various roles, including commanding the 3rd Battalion, 5 Gorkha Rifles.
Leadership and Promotions
Manekshaw’s leadership abilities and strategic acumen propelled him through the ranks. Notably, he served as a commanding officer and held significant appointments within the Military Operations Directorate, where he contributed to crucial decision-making processes.
Chief of Army Staff and the 1971 Indo-Pak War
Appointed as the eighth Chief of the Army Staff in 1969, Manekshaw faced his greatest test during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His meticulous planning and decisive leadership led to India’s resounding victory and the creation of Bangladesh. Manekshaw’s radio broadcasts to Pakistani troops played a pivotal role in convincing them to surrender, ending the conflict swiftly and with minimal casualties.
Post-War Contributions and Negotiations
Following the war, Manekshaw continued to serve India with distinction. He represented the country in negotiations to demarcate the Line of Control in Kashmir, showcasing his diplomatic skills alongside his military prowess.
Promotion to Field Marshal and Post-Retirement Honors
Following his exemplary leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sought to promote Sam Manekshaw to the rank of Field Marshal and appoint him as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). However, objections from the navy and air force commanders, along with concerns from bureaucrats about potential neglect of their respective forces, led to the appointment being dropped.
Nonetheless, in recognition of his outstanding service, Manekshaw was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal on 1 January 1973, becoming the first Indian Army officer to hold this rank. The formal ceremony conferring the rank took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 3 January.
Honors and Post-Retirement Contributions
In addition to his promotion, Manekshaw received several honors for his service. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the President of India in 1972. After retiring from active service on 15 January 1973, he settled in Coonoor with his wife Silloo.
Manekshaw’s popularity extended beyond India, with Nepal honoring him as an honorary general of the Nepalese Army in 1972. He was also awarded the Order of Tri Shakti Patta First Class by the King of Nepal in 1977.
Post-retirement, Manekshaw served as an independent director on the boards of various companies, some of which he chaired.
Legacy
Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) on 16 December commemorates the triumph achieved under Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw’s leadership in 1971. In honor of his contributions, a postage stamp featuring him in his field marshal attire was released by then-President Pratibha Patil on 16 December 2008.
Numerous landmarks and institutions pay tribute to Manekshaw’s legacy. The Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantonment, inaugurated in 2010 by the President of India, hosts the Army Commanders’ conference biannually. Additionally, the Manekshaw parade ground in Bangalore and a flyover bridge in Ahmedabad bear his name. A granite statue erected in Wellington, Nilgiris district, and another on Maneckji Mehta Road in Pune Cantonment further immortalize his memory.
The Centre for Land Warfare Studies publishes research papers under the Manekshaw Papers series as homage to the field marshal’s contributions.
Contributions
1. Soldiers’ Pay: Manekshaw played a pivotal role in ensuring fair pay for armed forces personnel, delegating Lt. Gen. Srinivas Kumar Sinha to establish pay scales commensurate with their service conditions.
2. Strategy and Doctrine: His leadership during the 1971 war, characterized by innovative strategies and rapid deployment, laid the groundwork for the Cold Start military doctrine. His shock and awe tactics, particularly through the deployment of IV Corps, were instrumental in securing victory.
3. Procurement: Manekshaw advocated for a robust domestic defense industry and procurement reforms. While he successfully procured equipment during the 1971 war, lasting reforms to the procurement process proved elusive.
4. Special Operations: Manekshaw’s approval of the Chachro Raid, orchestrated by Brigadier Bhawani Singh, showcased the effectiveness of Indian special operations units, resulting in significant territorial gains.
Overall, Manekshaw’s leadership, strategic acumen, and advocacy for military reform left an indelible mark on India’s defense landscape, earning him enduring reverence and recognition.
Controversy and Recognition
In 2007, allegations surfaced, made by Gohar Ayub, son of Pakistani Field Marshal Ayub Khan, accusing Manekshaw of selling Indian Army secrets to Pakistan during the 1965 Indo-Pak War for 20,000 rupees. However, these claims were dismissed by the Indian defense establishment.
Despite his esteemed rank, it was reported that Manekshaw did not receive his full entitlements until 2007 when President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam presented him with a cheque for his arrears of pay, amounting to ₹1.3 crore.
Throughout his retirement, Manekshaw remained revered within the Indian Army, visiting hospitalized soldiers during the Kargil War and serving as an icon for future generations of military leaders.
Personal Life and Death
Sam Manekshaw married Siloo Bode on 22 April 1939 in Bombay. The couple had two daughters, Sherry and Maya, born in 1940 and 1945 respectively. Sherry had a daughter named Brandy, while Maya had two sons named Raoul Sam and Jehan Sam. Their family home, named Stavka, was a nod to the Russian military headquarters Stavka, inspired by Sherry’s reading of War and Peace.
Manekshaw passed away from complications related to pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, at 12:30 a.m. on 27 June 2008, at the age of 94. Reportedly, his last words were “I’m okay!”. He was laid to rest at the Parsi cemetery in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, with full military honors, beside his wife’s grave.
His funeral, however, lacked governmental representation, leading to media criticism of the civilian establishment’s perceived apathy towards the military. Although a national day of mourning was not declared, it was noted that this was not a customary breach of protocol for a leader of Manekshaw’s national importance. He is survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.
FAQ’s
- What awards did Sam Manekshaw receive for his bravery in World War II?
- Sam Manekshaw received the Military Cross for his exemplary bravery during the Battle of Pagoda Hill.
- How did Manekshaw’s refusal to join the Pakistani Army shape his post-independence service?
- Manekshaw’s refusal led to his continued service in the Indian Army, where he played pivotal roles, including commanding the 3rd Battalion, 5 Gorkha Rifles.
- What role did Manekshaw play in the 1971 Indo-Pak War?
- As the Chief of the Army Staff, Manekshaw’s meticulous planning and leadership led to India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh.
- How did Manekshaw contribute post-war diplomatically?
- Manekshaw represented India in negotiations to demarcate the Line of Control in Kashmir, showcasing both military and diplomatic skills.
- What is Sam Manekshaw’s lasting legacy in the Indian military?
- Sam Manekshaw’s legacy lies in his exemplary leadership, strategic acumen, and contributions to India’s military history.
- Awards given to Sam Manekshaw Awards?
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 1972, in recognition of his exceptional service to the nation. Additionally, he received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to the country.
- Sam Manekshaw Wife
- Manekshaw married Siloo Bode Manekshaw on 22 April 1939 in Bombay.
- Sam Manekshaw Children
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and his wife, Siloo Bode, were blessed with two daughters, Sherry and Maya (later Maja), born in 1940 and 1945, respectively. Sherry, in turn, had a daughter named Brandy, while Maya had two sons named Raoul Sam and Jehan Sam. It’s noteworthy that Manekshaw’s home was named Stavka, a homage to the Russian military headquarters Stavka, which held significance to the family due to Sherry’s interest in War and Peace.
- Sam Manekshaw Religion
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw belonged to the Parsi Zoroastrian community, as did his wife, Siloo Bode.
- Sam Manekshaw and Indira Gandhi
- Due to their shared Parsi heritage (Indira Gandhi’s husband, Feroze Gandhi, was Parsi), there is a colorful anecdote that Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw would affectionately refer to Indira Gandhi as “sweetie” or “sweetheart.” According to the story, when she inquired about the Indian army’s preparedness prior to the 1971 India-Pakistan war, his famous response was, “I am always ready, sweetie.”
- Why was Sam Manekshaw called Sam Bahadur?
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was associated with the 2/8 Gorkha Rifles. In the Gorkha tradition, it is customary for many to have ‘Bahadur’ as a suffix to their first name, signifying bravery or heroism. During his tenure as the army chief, Field Marshal Manekshaw visited a battalion of the 8th Gorkha Rifles. On asking a sepoy if he knew the name of his Commander-in-Chief, the orderly replied, “Sir, your name is Sam Bahadur.” This incident led to “Sam Bahadur” becoming Manekshaw’s widely known nickname.
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