ARTICLE

Sam Manekshaw

Sam Manekshaw is widely recognized as

one of India's most distinguished and
celebrated military leaders. He holds the
distinction of being the first Indian Army
officer to be promoted to the rank of Field
Marshal, the highest military honor in the
country. Born on April 3, 1914, in
Amritsar, Punjab, he belonged to a Parsi
family and had a lifelong interest in
medicine. However, he joined the Indian
Military Academy in Dehradun in 1932 as
an act of rebellion against his father. After
the partition of India in 1947, he chose to
continue serving in the Indian Army and
played an active role in the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War and the Hyderabad crisis. He rose
through the ranks and held several crucial positions, including Director of Military
Training, Commandant of the Defense Services Staff College, and General Officer
Commanding of various corps and commands. In 1969, he became the Chief of the
Army Staff of the Indian Army and faced many challenges, including the Sino-Indian
border dispute, the Naxalite insurgency, and escalating tensions with Pakistan. He
meticulously prepared the army for a potential war with Pakistan and advocated for a
diplomatic and political solution. In December 1971, he led the Indian Army to a decisive
victory over Pakistan, resulting in the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops and the
establishment of a new nation, Bangladesh. He is recognized for his exceptional
leadership and bravery and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest
civilian honor, in 1972. He retired from active service in 1973, following a distinguished
career spanning four decades and five wars. In 1973, he was conferred with the rank of
Field Marshal, the only Indian Army officer to receive this prestigious title to date. Sam
Manekshaw was a legendary figure who inspired generations of soldiers and civilians
alike. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, humor, and charisma, and a true patriot who
loved his country and served it with honor. He was known as Sam Bahadur (Sam the
Brave), the Field Marshal who played a pivotal role in creating Bangladesh.
Govind Krishna cp
Class-10D