He was close to pursue medicine until destiny had its final word, Sam Manekshaw went on to become the first five star field marshall of India besides leading courageously and tactfully in all the wars he had been part of, the first one being the operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 1947-48 and later the china war where he was appointed as the Lieutenant General.
Pakistan surrenders and Bangladesh is born Sam’s years of military experience were soon put to the test as India decided to help the Mukti Bahini rebels against West Pakistani forces. But whether India was equipped to deal with the war was another question. Sam made it clear that India was not ready based on the ammunition and soldiers available at that time. Subsequently, Indira Gandhi refused Sam’s resignation, Sam then would guarantee a victory in the war if he would be allowed to prepare for the conflict on his terms and set a date for it. Indira Gandhi accepted the terms and the rest was history. When the Indian Army finally went to war in December that year, under Manekshaw’s leadership, it proved victorious against the Pakistan Army. The war saw more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers personnel taken as prisoners of war, and it ended with the unconditional surrender of Pakistan’s eastern half, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh as a new nation. Sam eventually died due to complications of Pneumonia and his last words were reported to be “I’m Okay” The Logical Indian salutes Sam for his bravery, courage, discipline and determination during his time in the Army and beyond. We will forever remember your contribution to our country and continue to get inspired by your history.
