2017-04-03 Mon

“Yes, it is my job to tell you the truth. It is my job to fight and win, not to lose”

Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw MC, probably India’s greatest soldier ever, was born on 3rd April 1914. Born to Parsi parents in Amritsar, Sam Manekshaw or Sam Bahadur as he was popularly known, was India’s first Field Marshall and also the Chief of the Army Staff during the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

His distinguished military career spanned over four decades and five wars, beginning with service in the British Indian Army in World War II. Sam Manekshaw rose to be the 8th Chief of Staff of the Indian Army in 1969 and it was under his leadership that Indian forces could help facilitate the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971.

During the WWII, in the battle for the Sittang bridge, even after been shot at nine times, Sam Manekshaw continued to encourage his soldiers to fight and was instrumental in the victory. Hearing of his bravery, Divisional Commander Sir Cowans rushed to the battle site, took off his own Military Cross and pinned it on Sam’s chest anointing him with the gallantry medal which is awarded to the living!

Already famous as a blunt and gentle military man, Sam became an icon for the youth, and for his services, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, the second and third highest civilian awards of India. He is also honoured on an INR 5 commemorative stamp in 2008.

As the Chief of the Army Staff, Manekshaw’s service to the nation is immense as he united the army, navy and air force into a team, helping India win against Pakistan in 1965 and even more significantly the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh.

A man of many calibres, he stayed true to his word and as India's Army Chief refused to be rushed into a war with Pakistan since the time wasn't right, despite pressure from the cabinet.

On his retirement and in his death he was not given the respect due to him! Defence Minister AK Antony did not go for his funeral and neither did any of the military chiefs. The government might have failed him but for the youth, many of the staff and the soldiers of the army, navy and air force, Sam Manekshaw continues to remain a source of inspiration.