Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, fondly also known as “Sam Bahadur”, he was one of India’s greatest military leaders. His journey is recently converted into Biographic movie named “Sam Bahadur”, where Vickey Kaushal played his role. Here is a complete biography and military career jounery and many more.
Table of Contents
Who is Sam Bahadur?
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, fondly also known as “Sam Bahadur”, he was one of India’s greatest military leaders. He served the Indian Army for over four decades, his leadership can be seen under 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Sam Bahadur Biography Overview
| Full Name | Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw |
| Nick Name | Sam Manekshaw |
| Birth Date | 3 April 1914 |
| Birth Place | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Age | 94 Years old (at the time of death) |
| Place of Death | Wellington, Tamil Nadu |
| Date of Death | 27 June 2008 |
| Death Cause | Pneumonia |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Zoroastrain |
| Education Qualification | Graduated |
| Marital Stats | Widower |
| Wife | Silloo Manekshaw |
| Daughter | Sherry Batliwal, Maja Daruwala |
| Father | Hormusji Manekshaw (Doctor) |
| Mother | Hilla |
| Brother | Fali, Jan, Jemi |
| Sister | Sila, Sheroo |
| Profession | Indian Army |
Sam Bahadur Age
Field Marshal Sam Sam Bahadur was born on April 3rd, 1914 which was before the independence but still his arrival on this earth turned out to be heaven’s present for our country. He lived for 94 years and then passed away on 27 June 2008 at Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
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Sam Bahadur Height & Physical Stats
| Height | in cm – 173 cm
in m – 1.73 m in ft & inch – 5″9′ |
| Weight | in pounds – 143 lbs
in kg – 65 kg |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Sam Bahadur Early Life
Sam Manekshaw was born into a Parsi family. “Hormusji Manekshaw” is the real father of Mr. Bahdur Sam and he served as the doctor under British Army constituency. Sam’s mother “Hirabai Manekshaw” was a housewife who took care of him and his other 5 siblings.
He wanted to become a doctor like his father, but he was too young to join medical college. In 1932, at the age of 18, he was selected in the very first batch of the IMA, and became one of the youngest trainee officers.
Sam Bahadur military career
- Early Service: Sam Manekshaw got selected into British Indian Army in 1934 as the Frontier Force Regiment. Then he later worked into further services in army.
- World War II: During World War II, he also served in Burma (now Myanmar) against the Japanese army. In 1942, at the Battle of Pagoda Hill, he was badly wounded after being hit by multiple bullets in the stomach. Despite his injuries, he led his men with bravery. For this act of gallantry, he was awarded the Military Cross by the British government.
- Post-Independence Service: After India’s independence in 1947, Sam Bahadur continued to serve the Indian Army. He played an important roles in reorganising and strengthening the army during the partition years.
- Indo-Pakistan War of 1971: When tensions rose in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked Manekshaw if India was ready for war. Indira Gandhi trusted his judgment and gave him full freedom. In December 1971, India fought a 13-day war that ended in Pakistan’s surrender. Over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army, the largest military surrender since World War II. This victory led to the birth of Bangladesh with all because of Sam Bahadur and he became a national hero.
- Field Marshal: In 1973, Sam Manekshaw became the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army.
Sam Bahadur Personal Life
Sam Manekshaw or Sam Bahadur was married to Silloo Bode in 1939. Silloo and Sam Manekshaw has two daughters and they named them on their initials as a token of their love ; Sherry Manekshaw and Maja Manekshaw. He was also fond of dogs, gardening, and reading. Despite Sam Bahadur’s high rank he still remained simple and faithful.
Honours and Awards received by Sam Bahadur
| Award / Medal | Year | Reason |
| Military Cross | 1942 | For gallantry in Burma during WWII |
| Padma Bhushan | 1968 | Distinguished service to the nation |
| Padma Vibhushan | 1972 | Exceptional service during 1971 war |
| General Service Medal | – | Service recognition |
| Poorvi Star | – | Participation in Eastern sector operations |
| Paschimi Star | – | Participation in Western sector operations |
| Raksha Medal | – | Defence service |
| Sangram Medal | – | War service |
| Sainya Seva Medal | – | Service in the army |
| Indian Independence Medal | 1947 | Commemorating India’s independence |
| 25th Anniversary Independence Medal | 1972 | Silver Jubilee of Independence |
| 1939–45 Star | – | World War II campaign |
| Burma Star | – | WWII service in Burma |
| War Medal 1939–1945 | – | World War II |
| India Service Medal | – | Wartime service |
| General Service Medal 1918 | – | Early recognition |
Sam Bahadur Death
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw or Sam Bahudur passed away in the year 2008 on the 27th June. He was 94 years at that time and he took his last breadth at the Military Hospital at Wellington in the Tamil Nadu. His death was mourned across the country.
Lessor known facts about Sam Bahadur
- Vijay Diwas (16 December): This is celebrated every year to rememberIndia’s victory in 1971 under his leadership.
- Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment: This was inaugurated in 2010, which hosts Army Commander’s conferences.
- Manekshaw Parade Ground, Bengaluru: This venue is named on Sam Bahadur and it is the venue for Republic Day celebrations in Karnataka.
- Statues and Memorials: Located in Pune, Wellington, and Ooty–Coonoor road bridge these all are named after Sam Bahadur.
- Stamp Tribute: A postage stamp with his image was released in 2008.
- Biographic movies:
- Vicky Kaushal played him in the 2023 biopic Sam Bahadur.
- He appears as a character in Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children.
Conclusion
Sam Manekshaw or Sam Bahadur life was the story of a true soldier, he was a brave, honest, and loyal to his country. From being one of the first cadets of the Indian Military Academy to leading India to victory in the 1971 war, Sam Bahadue’s is a perfect example of bravery and true patriotism and obedience towards his work. His journey was completely legendary and we celebrate Vijay Diwas on 16 December because of his leadership which led to our victory.
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