Sam Manekshaw Birth Anniversary: Indira Gandhi asked Manekshaw whether he was going to stage a coup? The answer was – Madam, I am not interested in politics. You are playing your role very well. I am fine in my place. If I sit in your place, I will also make the same mistakes that you are making. Then he added laughing, And again, I have a very long nose; I will not be successful in politics. In recognition of his amazing strategic-adventure contribution in the 1971 Bangladesh War, Sam was appointed the first Field Marshal of India. On the occasion of his birthday, read some incidents from his inspiring life.
Born on 3 April 1914 in Amritsar, the name of Sam Manekshaw is taken with utmost respect in Indian military history. He was not only the first Field Marshal of India, but was also famous for his outspoken style, strategic acumen and amazing leadership abilities. Happened. He received training from the Indian Military Academy and then a commission in the British Indian Army. He displayed extraordinary bravery on the Burma front during World War II and continued to lead despite being seriously injured. Manekshaw was famous for his frankness and cheerfulness. He was very popular among his officers as well as among the soldiers. He believed that a soldier’s morale is his greatest strength.
Several bullets hit, said- the mule kicked him
Manekshaw was seriously injured by machine gun fire while fighting on the Burma (Myanmar) front during World War II (1942–43). Many bullets had hit his stomach, lungs etc. An Australian surgeon had initially refused treatment because the condition was so serious. Even in that critical condition, Sam’s courage was such that when he was asked what happened? Even then he did not stop laughing and said that a mule kicked him. His commanding officer, Major General David Cowan, was impressed by his bravery and awarded him the Military Cross. Although generally this honor was not given to living soldiers.
Sam Manekshaw was the first Field Marshal of India.
No war yet – blunt answer to the leadership
Sam’s character as a successful and visionary military general came to the fore during the 1971 Bangladesh war. Without military preparation and favorable weather, they were not ready to start the war. He did not hesitate to express his blunt opinion to the political leadership on this issue. The burden on India was increasing due to the influx of refugees from East Bengal. Pakistan’s internal crisis was becoming a problem for India and making the country insecure.
Indira Gandhi.
It was revealed in Sam’s post-war speeches that in April 1971, Indira Gandhi asked him whether the army was ready for war? Manekshaw, displaying strategic maturity, had clearly said that if there is a war now, then 100% defeat is certain. He also gave reasons for this.
Monsoon was about to start soon. Tanks and other weapons were being assembled. It was not possible to conduct a successful military operation in such adverse conditions. He had described the months of November-December as suitable for starting military intervention. By this time, with the completion of strategic preparations, the Army had got dry land to move forward.
Sam Manekshaw’sThe character of a visionary military general emerged during the Bangladesh War of 1971. Photo: Getty Images
Army’s job is not politics
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was at the peak of popularity due to the success in the 1971 war and the division of Pakistan into two parts. There was also cheering for the Indian Army and its chief Sam Manekshaw all around. The situation was such that rumors were floating that the army could also carry out a coup. Even Indira Gandhi had directly asked Manekshaw about his intentions.
Famous journalist Kuldeep Nayyar writes in his autobiography Beyond the Lines, “Indira Gandhi asked Manekshaw if he was going to stage a coup? Manekshaw replied, Madam, I am not interested in politics. You are doing very well in your place. I am fine in my place. If I sat in your place, I would make the same mistakes you are making. And then, I have a very long nose; I will not be successful in politics.
Manekshaw had made it clear that the work of the army is not politics and they will remain within their limits. In this war, brilliant aspects of Manekshaw’s personality emerged. He refused to rush into military intervention despite the wishes of the political leadership. Due to popularity, he did not fall victim to misunderstanding and remained loyal to democratic commitment and military discipline.
Sam Manekshaw breathed his last on 27 June 2008. Photo: Getty Images
To everyone he was Sam the Brave
Sam Manekshaw spent the last years of his life in Wellington (Nilgiri), Tamil Nadu, where the Defense Services Staff College is located. Here he remained associated with the military environment but kept himself away from public life. In those days, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had come to meet him in the hospital. By that time Manekshaw had become very weak due to age and poor health.
During a conversation with Kalam, Manekshaw had said with a smile in his characteristic style, “I was made Field Marshal, but the financial facilities related to it have not yet been fully paid. President Kalam took this issue seriously and wrote to the Central Government for necessary action. This payment was made soon. But Sam did not use this amount for personal use but donated it for the welfare of the soldiers.
Local people and army officers remembered him with utmost respect as Sam Bahadur. He breathed his last on 27 June 2008. On some occasion he was asked whether the army would obey political orders? He had added with the answer of course, but the army will have to be given the freedom to fight when and how.
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