Army veteran Sam Manekshaw was one of the most courageous officers the nation has ever seen. For more than forty years, he served India with distinction. During the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971, he was India’s top officer and among the best. He was a field marshal, and his valor, bravery, and astute judgment were key factors in Bangladesh’s victory. His passing on June 27, 2008, was a very sad day for the country.
Sam Manekshaw Wikipedia
Sam Manekshaw was referred to as Sam Bahadur because of his bravery and intelligence. He served for more than 40 years and witnessed more than five wars. The highest rank among army officers was that of field marshal, which he held.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw |
| Nickname | Sam Bahadur |
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1914 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Date of Death | June 27, 2008 |
| Profession | Indian Army Officer, Field Marshal |
| Years of Service | 1934-1973 |
| Famous For | guiding India to triumph in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
Sam Manekshaw’s Age
Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914. He joined the military academy at the age of 18 and further worked on his career to grow as a true soldier. Manekshaw lived a long, healthy life till the age of 94. He had a life dedicated to the army and mentorship. He passed away on 27th June 2008 at the age of 94.
| Milestone | Age | Year |
| Born | 0 | 1914 |
| Joined the Indian Military Academy | 18 | 1932 |
| Became Chief of Army Staff | 55 | 1969 |
| Promoted to Field Marshal | 58 | 1973 |
| Passed Away | 94 | 2008 |
Height, Weight, or Physical Status
Sam had a very lean build; he weighed around 65 kgs and was about 5 feet and 9 inches tall, which is about 175 centimeters. He had black hair when he was young, which naturally turned gray, and he had dark brown eyes. He had a very unique posture and mustache, which made him very noticeable as well as easily recognizable.
| Physical Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (later Grey) |
Early Life and Family Background
His father’s name was Hormusji Manekshaw; he was the leader of the medical team during World War I, and his mother’s name was Hilla Mehta, who was a homemaker. He was the fifth child in his family and had five siblings: two sisters and three brothers. Jemi, Jan, and Fali are brothers; Cilla and Sheru are sisters. He had a very disciplined family; his dad was the captain of the medical squad during World War I, and Jemi, his brother, became an air vice marshal.
| Family Member | Details |
| Father | Hormusji Manekshaw (Doctor) |
| Mother | Hilla Mehta (Homemaker) |
| Siblings | Fali, Jan, Jemi, Sila, Sheroo |
| Hometown | Amritsar, Punjab |
Education
Sam had always desired to study medicine in the United Kingdom, but his father was not on board. He graduated from high school with honors in 1931. He then finished his science degree in 1932, earning a third division grade. Sam then enrolled in the Indian Military Academy in 1932, where he earned his second lieutenant degree in 1934.
| Institution | Details |
| Sherwood College, Nainital | Senior High School (1931) |
| Hindu Sabha College, Amritsar | Third Division in Science Degree (1932) |
| Indian Military Academy | Commissioned as Second Lieutenant (1934) |
Career Breakdown
Sam joined the British Indian Army after his graduation in 1934. He was chosen as a major in World War II in 1942, where he served in Burma and was heavily injured after the war. He then played a big role as a colonel in 1947, after which he was appointed as the 8th Chief of Army Staff. In 1971, after leading Bangladesh to independence, he was appointed as the first Field Marshal of India. In 1973, he retired and inspired young minds, as well as telling stories about his wars.
| Year | Position/Role | Details |
| 1934 | Commissioned Officer | Joined the British Indian Army |
| 1942 | Major | Severely wounded while serving in World War II |
| 1947 | Colonel | Played a role during the Indo-Pakistani War |
| 1965 | Lieutenant General | Commanded during the Indo-Pakistani War |
| 1969 | Chief of Army Staff | Appointed as the 8th Chief of Army Staff |
| 1971 | Field Marshal | aided India in winning the Bangladesh Liberation War. |
| 1973 | Retirement | Retired from active service |
Sam Manekshaw Movie
Sam Bahadur was a movie released in 2023. The film is a biography of Sam Manekshaw, the first field marshal of India and a great soldier. Vicky Kaushal portrayed Manekshaw, and Meghna Gulzar directed the biography. The movie also depicted the bond and the duties shared by Indira Gandhi and Sam Manekshaw.
| Movie Title | Year | Role Played | Actor |
| Sam Bahadur | 2023 | Sam Manekshaw | Vicky Kaushal |
Achievements and Awards
Sam was a highly decorated army officer who received multiple awards for his tactical skill and performance on the battlefield. Because of his bravery, he received his first honor, the Military Cross, in 1942. In 1973, he became the first Indian to be promoted to the rank of field marshal.
An Indian citizen, he was a superb army officer. He spent more than 40 years serving his country, and he continues to inspire others by mentoring young minds and sharing tales from his wars.
| Award | Year | Details |
| Military Cross | 1942 | For gallantry in the Burma campaign |
| Padma Bhushan | 1968 | For distinguished service |
| Padma Vibhushan | 1972 | For exceptional service to the nation |
| Field Marshal Rank | 1973 | First Indian to be promoted |
Personal Life
In 1939, Sam married Silloo Bode. Maja Daruwala and Sherry Batliwala were the couple’s two daughters. Although he was disciplined and a strict man, his home was filled with laughter, love, and hospitality. He had a professional respect for Indira Gandhi; there was no proof of a romantic relationship.
| Family Member | Details |
| Wife | Silloo Bode (Married 1939) |
| Daughters | Sherry Batliwala, Maja Daruwala |
| Granddaughter | Brandy Batliwala |
Sam Manekshaw Net Worth
Sam Manekshaw’s net worth could be determined according to the salary of the army officers, but there are no sources revealing the pension amounts and the army man’s salary. Hence, his salary and net worth remain undisclosed.
| Source | Estimated Value |
| Military Pension | Not publicly disclosed |
| Personal Assets | Modest and unpretentious |
FAQs
Who is Sam Manekshaw?
Sam Manekshaw was a highly acclaimed military leader in India. During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh, he was the Chief of Army Staff.
Who was India’s first field marshal?
Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw served as India’s first Field Marshal.
In real life, who is Sam Bahadur?
The Indian Army soldiers affectionately called Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw “Sam Bahadur.”
What is the full name of Sam Manekshaw?
Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was his full name.
What connection did he have with Indira Gandhi?
During Indira Gandhi’s time as prime minister, Sam Manekshaw was crucial, particularly during the Indo-Pakistani War in 1971.