Sam Manekshaw Biography, Wife, Kids, Age, Family, Religion, Death Reason, and more
Sam Manekshaw was a legendary Indian Army officer who led the country to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of field marshal, the highest honour in the military. He was also known as Sam Bahadur, meaning Sam the Brave, for his courage and charisma.
Sam Manekshaw Wiki/Bio
| Name | Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Sam Bahadur |
| Born | 3 April 1914 |
| Died | 27 June 2008 |
| Place of birth | Amritsar, Punjab, British India |
| Place of death | Wellington, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Cause of death | Pneumonia |
| Resting place | Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Parsi |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
| Spouse | Silloo Bode |
| Children | Sherry Batliwala, Maja Daruwala |
| Parents | Hormusji Manekshaw, Hilla Mehta |
| Siblings | Fali, Jan, Cilla, Sila, Jemi |
| Service/branch | British Indian Army, Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1973 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Unit | 12th Frontier Force Regiment, 8th Gorkha Rifles |
| Commands | Eastern Army, Western Army, IV Corps, 26th Infantry Division, Defence Services Staff College, The Infantry School, 167th Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | World War II, Indo-Pakistan War of 1947, Sino-Indian War, Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, Nathu La and Cho La clashes, Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Military Cross, Order of Tri Shakti Patta First Class |
| Service number | IC-14 |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Sam_Manekshaw Homepage- Newsunzip |
Birthday, Parents, Siblings
Sam Manekshaw was born on 3 April 1914 (age: 94 years, when died) in Amritsar, Punjab, to Hormusji Manekshaw and Hilla Mehta, who were Parsi Zoroastrians. His father was a doctor and his mother was a homemaker. He was the fifth of six children, having three elder brothers, Fali, Jan and Cilla, an elder sister, Sila, and a younger brother, Jemi.
Sam had a rebellious streak since his childhood. He wanted to study medicine in London, but his father refused to send him. As a result, he joined the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun in 1932, as part of the first batch of cadets. He graduated from the IMA in 1934 and was commissioned into the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, a British Indian Army unit.
Height, Weight
- Height: 173 cm or 5’9″
- Weight: 65 kg or 143 lbs
- Eye color: Dark brown
- Hair color: Black
- Skin color: Fair
Military Career
Sam Manekshaw had a distinguished military career that spanned four decades and five wars. He fought in World War II, the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He also participated in the Hyderabad crisis, the Nathu La and Cho La clashes, and the liberation of Goa.
World War II
Sam Manekshaw saw action in World War II in Burma, where he fought against the Japanese forces. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in 1942, when he rescued a wounded soldier under heavy fire. He was also wounded in the abdomen by machine gun fire, but survived. He later joked that the bullet had hit him in the liver, which was already damaged by alcohol.
Partition and 1947 War
After the partition of India in 1947, Sam Manekshaw was reassigned to the 8th Gorkha Rifles, an Indian Army unit. He was involved in the planning and operations of the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, which was fought over the disputed territory of Kashmir. He also played a key role in the annexation of Hyderabad, a princely state that had refused to join India.
1962 War and IV Corps
Sam faced one of the biggest challenges of his career in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which was a border conflict with China. He was appointed as the commander of the IV Corps, which was responsible for the defence of the northeastern frontier. He inherited a poorly trained and equipped force that was outnumbered and outmatched by the Chinese. He tried his best to motivate and inspire his troops, but could not prevent the Chinese from advancing and capturing large areas of Indian territory. He was later blamed for the debacle by some politicians and bureaucrats, but was exonerated by a high-level inquiry.
1965 War and Western Command
Manekshaw redeemed himself in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, which was another war over Kashmir. He was appointed as the commander of the Western Command, which was the largest and most important command in the Indian Army. He successfully defended the Punjab border from the Pakistani attacks and launched counter-offensives that captured strategic positions. He also coordinated with the air force and the navy to ensure a joint and effective response.
1971 War and Eastern Command
Sam Manekshaw achieved his greatest glory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which was triggered by the liberation movement in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. He was appointed as the chief of the army staff in 1969, and was given the task of preparing the army for a possible war with Pakistan. He devised a brilliant strategy that involved supporting the Bengali guerrillas, creating an international consensus, mobilizing the troops, and launching a swift and decisive campaign. He also showed remarkable courage and integrity by standing up to the political pressure and refusing to start the war until he was ready. He famously told Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, “I guarantee you a 100 per cent victory if you give me the time I need. If you want me to do it earlier, I will, but I do not guarantee you the result.”
Sam proved his words right, as he led the Indian Army to a spectacular victory in just 13 days. He commanded the Eastern Command, which was responsible for the liberation of Bangladesh. He crushed the Pakistani forces, which surrendered with over 90,000 prisoners of war, the largest surrender since World War II. He also ensured that the Indian Army behaved with dignity and respect towards the Pakistani soldiers and the Bangladeshi civilians. He was hailed as a national hero and a liberator by the people of India and Bangladesh.
Marriage, Kids, Field Marshal and Retirement
Sam Manekshaw was honoured with the rank of field marshal in 1973, becoming the first Indian Army officer to receive the five-star rank. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, for his services to the nation. He retired from the army in 1973, after 39 years of service.
Sam settled in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, where he lived a peaceful and contented life. He was married to Silloo Bode, an artist and painter, whom he met in Lahore in 1937. They had two daughters, Sherry Batliwala and Maja Daruwala, who married into different communities and religions. He was proud of his daughters and their families, and did not impose his Parsi faith on them. He was also fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he loved to spoil.
Sam died on 27 June 2008, at the age of 94, due to pneumonia. He was cremated with full military honours at the Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. His death was mourned by the nation and the world, as he was remembered as one of the greatest soldiers and leaders of India.
Legacy and Influence
Sam Manekshaw left behind a legacy of courage, wisdom, and charisma that continues to inspire generations of Indians. He is widely regarded as the architect of India’s greatest military victory and the father of the Bangladesh nation. He is also admired for his professionalism, honesty, and humour, which made him popular among his peers and subordinates. He is considered as a role model for the Indian Army and the defence forces, as he exemplified the values of loyalty, discipline, and honour.
Manekshaw’s life and achievements have been celebrated in various forms of media and culture. He has been the subject of several books, documentaries, and films, such as The Sam Papers, Sam Bahadur: The Man Behind the Legend, and Sam: The Story of Field Marshal Manekshaw. He has also been honoured with various awards, statues, and institutions, such as the Sam Manekshaw Centre for Excellence, the Manekshaw Parade Ground, and the Manekshaw Chair for Defence Studies. He has also been featured on postage stamps, coins, and currency notes, as a mark of respect and gratitude.
Net Worth
| 2008 | 3 Crore INR (estiamted) |
Sam was a man of many talents and virtues, who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people. He was a soldier, a leader, a hero, and a legend, who will always be remembered and revered by India and the world.
