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Who was Sam ‘Bahadur’?

By
Ayushi
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December 1, 2023
A Hindi-language biographical war drama film based on the life of India's first field marshal, Sam Manekshaw has hit the theaters today. This movie is a Meghna Gulzar directional and has Vicky Kaushal in the leading role.
So who was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw? Let us take you through the life’s journey of one of the bravest soldiers of Bharat Maa.

One of the most decorated soldiers of India 

Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, who joined the first intake of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in 1932, had a distinguished military career spanning four decades and five wars, beginning with service in the British Indian Army in World War II.

Following the independence and partition of India in 1947, he served in the planning role during the 1947 Indo-Pak War and the Hyderabad crisis. 

Survived a machine-gun wound

Manekshaw was hit by a burst of light machine gun fire during World War 2 in 1942 and was severely wounded in the stomach. Then he was evacuated from the battlefield by Mehar Singh, who carried Manekshaw on his shoulders for 14 miles (from battlefield to the doctor).

During the treatment, the surgeon removed seven bullets from his lungs, liver, and kidneys. Much of his intestines were also removed.

The Architect of 1971 Indo-Pak war

In 1969, he ascended to the position of the 8th Chief of Staff of the Indian Army. In 

1971 he led the Indian Army in the Indo-Pak war, when the Pakistan Army was brought to its knees in a matter of just 13 days, with nearly 93,000 soldiers and government officials surrendering and resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971.

A Legacy worth celebrating

He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, the second and third highest civilian awards of India, respectively. He  was also awarded The Military Cross (MC), which is the third highest military award of the British Armed Forces.

Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of valour, courage and dedication to the Indian Army.

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