Discover About India’s First Field Marshal Before Watching Sam Bahadur
Sam Manekshaw, India’s revered war general and the first Field Marshal, is the focal point of the upcoming biopic "Sam Bahadur," set to release on December 1. While the broad strokes of his celebrated story are well-known, here are some lesser-known facets of his life and distinguished military career.
Born in Amritsar and raised in Sherwood College, Nainital, Sam Manekshaw was naturally fluent in Punjabi. Having served with Sikh troops during the early years of his military career, he often conversed in Punjabi with Sikh soldiers, showcasing his affinity for the language.
Despite not serving with the Gorkhas, Sam was affectionately bestowed with the title of ‘Sam Bahadur’ by the troops of 8 Gorkha Rifles, whom he held in high regard as their Colonel of the Regiment.
In 1962, a Court of Inquiry was initiated against Sam to investigate multiple charges. Despite allegations believed to be politically motivated, he was cleared of all charges by Lt Gen Daulet Singh, who presided over the inquiry.
Before Nehru’s death, Sam Manekshaw, then Army Chief, protested in writing against orders to move troops to the national capital. Subsequently, blame for the troop movement was unfairly attributed to him, leading to his posting as GOC-in-C Eastern Command.
After the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Sam took a keen interest in the treatment of nearly 90,000 Pakistani Army prisoners of war (PoWs). During a visit to a Military Hospital in Delhi Cantonment, he facilitated a request from a Pakistani Colonel for a copy of the Quran, showcasing his compassion even towards adversaries.
As "Sam Bahadur" unfolds on the big screen, these lesser-known facets offer a deeper understanding of the man behind the uniform.
