The First Indian Field Marshal or The Unsung Hero

A military officer who refused to say Yes to every command of his seniors, who spoke out of turn and was bold enough to do things his way, ultimately led India to victory in 1971 Indo-Pak conflict - Sam Manekshaw was the ablest and most zealous Field Marshal of the Indian Army.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw led India to a gallant victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War; Image Source: Indusscrolls

The first Indian Army officer, raised to the rank of Field Marshal, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw became a hero of the masses for his role in the Indian Army as the Chief of the Army Staff, when he led his nation to victory during the 1971 Indo-Pak War which ultimately led to the independence of Bangladesh.

Born in Amritsar, Punjab to Parsi parents, Manekshaw wanted to go to London and become a gynaecologist. In a turn of events, after his father refused to adhere to his wish instantly, Manekshaw in defiance filled out the form for the entrance examination into the Indian Military Academy of Dehradun. Given his exceptional talent, he was selected and after graduation was immediately appointed as the lieutenant.

He was bestowed with the “Military Cross” for his bravery and valour in World War II at the beginning of his military service. He served in the military for forty decades and fought in five wars. For his fearless attitude, he was also conferred with the highest civilian honours of the country - the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. In his years as Brigadier and Director of Military Operations, he showed great acumen and administrative zeal.

Manekshaw soon became known for his openness and frankness. On being inquired by Indira Gandhi, on whether or not he was ready to go on a war, he explicitly refused by saying that two of his divisions were employed elsewhere and only 18 of the total tanks were fit to go to war. He also pointed out various other drawbacks that India would have supposedly faced if they would have chosen to go on war then. He vehemently declared that he could bring victory to the country if the war was fought on his terms and schedule. The Prime Minister was impressed and acceded to his advice.

On 16 December every year, India celebrates “Vijay Diwas'' to commemorate the victory of Indian army under the leadership of Manekshaw in the same war. In 2008, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named a flyover bridge after him. President Pratibha Patil released a postage stamp depicting Manekshaw as the field marshal. To honour him, a granite statue was also erected at Wellington, in the Nilgiris in 2019. Meghna Gulzar is all set to direct a movie based on Manekshaw’s life titled “ Sam”, starring Vicky Kaushal which is expected to be released in 2021.

Manekshaw’s words describe the ideals he lived on - “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 Marshall but he can never become a leader nor, ever be respected. He will be used by his superiors, disliked by his colleagues and despised by his subordinates. So discard the ‘Yes man’.”