Few Facts About The Swashbuckling General Sam Manekshaw
SocialMela
Jun 27, 2019
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Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, the first Indian army officer to be promoted to 5- star rank of Field Marshal. He was born on 3rd April, 1914 and considered the most celebrated military man in India. Manekshaw is best remembered as the man who masterminded India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 – that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. With a lion-like personality and a signature twirling moustache, his name is enough to flicker the reverence and commendation in hearts and minds of every proud Indian.
On his death anniversary here are some prominent facts about the most courageous chief of Indian army:
- His father didn't support him in his initial stages but still, he rebelled and gave the entrance examination for enrollment into the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and was a part of the intake of first 40 cadets in 1932.
- Manekshaw, also known as Sam Bahadur spent a glorious military career that spanned over four decades and participated in five different wars.
- With his brave and disciplines guidance, he led to his team's victory despite losing 50 per cent of his soldiers. He also suffered a major injury by a light machine gun fire but kept on encouraging his soldiers to fight, which ultimately led to clinching the Sittang bridge. On hearing of his bravery, Major General David Cowan, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the 17th Infantry Division, saluted his bravery and determination. He also pinned his own Military Cross ribbon on his chest saying, "A dead person cannot be awarded a Military Cross."
- Marshal was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 1968 for his services in the Indian Army.
- For his unfathomable services dedicated towards his nation, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and was given the rank of Field Marshal in 1973.
- Manekshaw succumbed to pneumonia on June 27, 2008.
- In 2014, a statue of Sam Manekshaw was held high in Wellington, the place where he died, in his honour.
- In 1942, Manekshaw served as the Captain of the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma during World War II against the Japanese Army.
- Annually, on 16 December, "Vijay Diwas" is celebrated in memory of the victory achieved under Manekshaw's leadership in 1971. On 16 December 2008, a postage stamp depicting Manekshaw in his field marshal's uniform was released by then President Pratibha Patil.
- Reportedly, his last words were “I’m okay!
Blog by: Annu Priya & Aayushi Mishra
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