Biography of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: His Life and Life Lessons

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a real hero for all Indians, needs no introduction. Recently, a Bollywood movie was released featuring the life of Sam Manekshaw starring Bollywood Actor Vicky Kaushal. This movie received high praise from Indian as well as global audiences. His life has inspired millions of people and he continues to be a role model for thousands of defence aspirants. Today we will learn about the Life history of Sam Manekshaw and the Life Lessons inspired by the Life of Sam Manekshaw.

Life History of Sam Manekshaw

Sam Manekshaw, nicknamed Sam Bahadur, was born on 3rd April 1914 in the city of Amritsar. His father Hormizad Manekshaw was a Doctor by profession and his mother was Hormizad Manekshaw. His family belonged to the Parsi Community. Initially, He wanted to study in London to become a Doctor, but his father refused. That’s why young Sam Manekshaw chose to join the British Indian Army instead. On October 1, 1932, Sam Manekshaw was selected as one of fifteen cadets after a public competition for the three-year training program. Sam Manekshaw married Siloo Bobde on 22 April 1939. Sam Manekshaw had two daughters Sherry and Maya. Sam Manekshaw had a legendary career in the British Indian Army and Indian Army. In a military career of four decades, he fought four wars- World War II, Indo-Pakistan War of 1947, Indo-Pakistan War of 1965, Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Sam Manekshaw rose to the highest rank of the Indian Army i.e. Field Marshal. Sam Manekshaw breathed his last on 27th June 2008.

Military Career of Sam Manekshaw

Sam Manekshaw was selected for the British Indian Army in 1932 and commissioned into 12 Frontier Force Regiment in 1935. He led Troops of the British Indian Army on the Burma Front and helped British India to secure a victory over the imperial Japanese army. After partition, his regiment 12 Frontier Force Regiment was transferred to Pakistan, so he was assigned 8th Gurkha Rifles. Sam Manekshaw played a vital role in the merger of Hyderabad to India and in the India-Pakistan War in 1947. During, the India-Pakistan War of 1947, he was the one who advised the government to airlift troops to Jammu and Kashmir to prevent the capture of Jammu Kashmir. Sam Manekshaw became the seventh Army Chief of the Indian Army in 1969. Under his able command, India secured a historic victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971. In recognition of outstanding services to the Armed Forces and the nation, Sam Manekshaw was promoted to the rank of field marshal on 1 January 1973. He was the first officer in the history of the Indian Army to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.

Life Lessons Inspired from the Life of Sam Manekshaw

Leadership

Sam Manekshaw was a legendary leader who had great foresightedness. He advised the government to prepare Indian Soldiers to save Jammu and Kashmir. This emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and a clear vision for aspirants, who might face complex situations during their careers. He was known for making bold decisions under pressure, like launching Operation Gibraltar despite initial hesitation. This highlights the need for decisiveness and taking calculated risks when necessary. Manekshaw's charisma and unwavering belief in his troops boosted morale and kept them motivated. This underscores the importance of leading by example and fostering a positive team spirit within the ranks.

Integrity

Manekshaw held himself and his soldiers to the highest ethical standards. This emphasizes the importance of integrity and moral conduct for future officers, who represent the armed forces. He always preached about taking responsibility for one’s actions. He was always known for ethical standards. He arranged many facilities for Pakistani Soldiers who surrendered during the 1971 war. He declined the order of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to attack East Pakistan citing various practical reasons. He never tried to be a ‘Yes-Mam’ before political leadership. He always maintained the utmost integrity and moral character.

Courage and Grit

Manekshaw was wounded many times during the war, but his courage and determination always helped him to fight and win. During the Second World War, He was wounded 50%, but despite his wounds, he continued to fight.'s bravery and resilience in the face of adversity were legendary. This emphasizes the importance of developing mental and physical toughness to persevere through challenges.

Humor and Lightheartedness

Despite the seriousness of his profession, Manekshaw's sense of humor and ability to connect with his troops on a personal level kept them engaged and motivated. Once, he was mortally injured during a war, and when the Doctor asked him about the wound. He said that he was kicked by a mule. That Doctor was greatly impressed by his humor and treated him personally. This underscores the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and fostering camaraderie within the unit.

Some Famous Quotes of Sam Manekshaw

“If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” 

“Give me a man or a woman with common sense and who is not an idiot, and I assure you I can make a leader out of him or her.”

 “You should have to fight and fight to win. There is no room for the losers. If you lose, don’t come back. You will have disgraced the country, and the country won’t accept you.”

 “Unless you know, and the men you command know that you know your job, you will never be a leader.”

“A ‘Yes man’ is a dangerous man. He is a menace. He will go very far. He can become a minister, a secretary, or a Field Marshal, but he can never become a leader nor ever be respected.”

“What is the next thing you need for leadership? It is the ability to make up your mind to make a decision and accept full responsibility for that decision.”