Indian Army Pays Respect to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on 110th Birth Anniversary

The Indian Army paid a heartfelt tribute to Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, also known as Sam Bahadur, on his 110th birth anniversary. Field Marshal Manekshaw was a key figure in many military triumphs, notably leading India to its greatest victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

“Remembering the Legend…Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, popularly known as ‘Sam Bahadur’, was the 8th #COAS and 1st Field Marshal of #IndianArmy. He was the architect of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. #IndianArmy pays tribute to #SamBahadur on his #BirthAnniversary,” the Indian Army said in a post on X.

Field Marshal Manekshaw, born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, passed away due to pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on June 27, 2008, at the age of 94. He joined the British Indian Army in 1932 and served with distinction during World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

Known affectionately as Sam Bahadur, Field Marshal Manekshaw was the first Indian officer to command the Gorkhas after India gained Independence. He was honored with the Military Cross on the battlefield during the Second World War.

Several political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, paid tribute to him as a “distinguished military leader.”

“In reverence, we bow to the memory of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Fondly known as Sam Bahadur, he was a key architect of India’s victory against Pakistan in 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. A distinguished military leader, he led the Armed Forces for over four decades across five wars. His selfless service to the nation shall be an eternal inspiration,” Kharge said.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Remembering the Man behind India’s victory against the war with Pakistan in 1971, Padma Vibhushan Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw ji on his birth anniversary.”