Ever heard of the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971? Then chances are that you know this great personality, chief general Sam Manekshaw. This warrior was born on the 3rd of April 1914 in the golden city of Amritsar. He was one of the 40 gentlemen to join the first batch of cadets at the Indian military academy called “The pioneers” .
Here are some lesser known facts about Sam manekshaw that will leave you spell bound.
#1 At the time of the Second World War, he was shot into his stomach by the Japanese troops, he received a military cross for his brave deed.
#2 After the heroic act of WWII, he was sent as a staff officer to general daisy in the Indo-China region where he helped rehabilitate around 10000 Japanese war prisoners.
#3 He had highly profound strategies to combat the requirements for the Jammu and Kashmir war operations
#4 He was positioned as the commandant of infantry school where headed as the colonel of 8 Gorkha rifles and 61 cavalry.
#5 He has been a part of five major warfares namely the World War II of 1947, Sino-Indian war of 1965, Indo-Pak war of 1965, and the Bangladesh war liberation of 1971 which lead to the formation of Bangladesh.
#6 The Indo-Pakistan war of the 1971 lasted for around 15 days. After which 90000 Pakistani troops surrendered which resulted in becoming prisoners which lead to Pakistan to give up their eastern part which later became an independent Bangladesh nation. He was very concerned and connected to the Indian prisoners of war and always bonded them with one on one conversations. He also made sure that their families received a copy of the Quran.
#7 After he was injured in the World War II, he was rescued by his fellow mates and taken for treatment, where a total of 7 bullets were taken out from his liver, kidneys and lungs. Since his chances of survival were very low, he was refused to be treated. When the doctor asked his as to how he was injured, Sam replied that he was kicked by a donkey. On hearing his witty sense of humour, the doctor agreed to treat him.
#8 Due to his outstanding services, in the year 1971, he was promoted as the Field Marshal which is the highest rank in the Indian army.
#9 At the time of Indian independence, Sam manekshaw and the future president of Pakistan, Yahya Khan together worked for the British army. Sam owned a James motorcycle at that period. Fascinated by this, Yahya bought the motorcycle from him for 1000 rupees and promised to send it to him after he reached Pakistan but unfortunately never returned it. After 24 years, in the war of 1971, Sam mocks Yahya telling he did not pay the amount for his motorcycle, in return he now paid half of his country.
#10 He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award in the year 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in the year 1968 by the president of India.
#11 He served the Indian army for nearly four complete decades and finally retired on January 15, 1973.
#12 He took his last breath on June 27 2008 at the age of 94 where he succumbed to pneumonia.
#13 When Sam was asked what would have happened if he chose to move to Pakistan after its partition, he replied that Pakistan would have won all the wars.
#14 His most famous quotes are “ If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gorkha”
#15 Uri Famed actor Vicky Kaushal will portray the role of Sam Manekshaw in upcoming biographical film “Sam”.
A perfect blend of wit, intelligence, strength and will, Sam Manekshaw earned respect from the country due to his dedicated work for the Armed Forces.
Banner Image: Twitter/Major Surendra Poonia
