Latest news with #Manekshaw
India Gazette
27-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Ooty: Madras Regimental Centre pays tribute to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw on his death anniversary
Ooty (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 27 (ANI): On the death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington in Ooty, observed a wreath-laying ceremony at his final resting place. Senior officers, including the Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College, Station Commander and members of the Parsi Community, laid wreaths at the Manekshaw Memorial. A Guard of Honour was presented as a mark of respect, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of the departed hero. According to Lt Gen Virendra Vats, Commandant, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, field marshal Sam Manekshaw is 'undoubtedly' the most inspiring military leader of their time. He mentioned that his works and deeds will continue to inspire the upcoming generations. 'Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is undoubtedly the most inspiring military leader of our times. His deeds and words continue to inspire us and will continue to do so, to the future generations', he told ANI. Sam Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914, in Amritsar, and he died of pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on June 27, 2008, at the age of 94. Manekshaw joined the British Indian Army in 1932 and served with distinction during World War II. His career spanned over four decades and five wars, including the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and the liberation of Hyderabad in 1948. He was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. Manekshaw was also the first Indian officer to command the Gorkhas after India won Independence. He was honoured with the Military Cross on the battlefront during the Second World War. Manekshaw, fondly called 'Sam Bahadur,' led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. His legacy as one of India's finest military commanders endures, inspiring future generations. (ANI)
News18
27-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
When Indira Gandhi Wanted War, He Said 'Not Yet'. 6 Months Later, Sam Manekshaw Broke Pakistan
Last Updated: Sam Manekshaw opposed immediate war, citing lack of readiness, poor logistics, monsoon challenges, and troop deployments in the Himalayas. He sought more time to prepare Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a name synonymous with military strategy and valour, played a pivotal role in the historic victory of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Under his leadership, the Indian Army showcased exemplary courage and strategic acumen, making Manekshaw an enduring hero in the annals of the Indian military. Sam Hormusji Fameji Jamshedji Manekshaw was born on April 3, 1914 in Amritsar, Punjab, into a Parsi family. He received his training from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun and was commissioned into the British Indian Army in 1934. His bravery during World War II on the Burma front earned him the Military Cross, highlighting his indomitable spirit even when wounded. The 1971 war stands as a testament to Manekshaw's exceptional leadership. With mounting atrocities by the Pakistani army in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), India decided to intervene. Manekshaw not only crafted the military strategy but also advised against premature action to ensure the army was fully prepared. His foresight was crucial; within 13 days, the Indian Army captured Dhaka, and 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered. This victory was not only a display of India's military prowess but also a testament to Manekshaw's strategic brilliance. One of the notable episodes involving Manekshaw and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi occurred on April 27, 1971. Faced with a refugee crisis stemming from East Pakistan, Indira Gandhi called for immediate military intervention. However, Manekshaw opposed this, stating that the Army needed more time for adequate preparation. He cited the lack of military readiness, weapons, logistics, and the challenges posed by the monsoon season and deployments in the Himalayan regions. Manekshaw assured Indira Gandhi that the right time for war would come when the Army was fully prepared. Impressed by his candour, she agreed. The war commenced in December 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh, illustrating Manekshaw's strategic intelligence and leadership. Known as 'Sam Bahadur' among his soldiers, Manekshaw was admired for his simplicity and humane leadership style. He understood the soldiers' problems and boosted their morale, making significant contributions to their welfare and the army's modernisation even after the war. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1972 and later the title of Field Marshal, the highest military rank in India. Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled military excellence and leadership. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Death anniversary of India's first Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw observed in Nilgiris
The Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington, Coonoor observed the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw on Friday (June 27, 2025). The event was marked with a wreath laying ceremony held at his final resting place in Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris, a press release from the MRC stated. Field Marshall Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008 and 'his legacy remains eternally etched in the heart of every Indian soldier,' the press release added. 'The ceremony paid homage to one of India's greatest military leaders, who led the Indian army to victory in the 1971 Indi-Pak war and became the first Indian army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshall. Officer, Junior Commissioned Officers, and soldiers of the Madras Regiment and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) gathered to honour his legacy and lifelong dedication to the service of the nation.' The ceremony began with the laying of the wreaths at the Manekshaw Memorial by senior officers, including the Commandant of the DSSC and members of the Parsi community, the press release added. A guard of honour was presented as a mark of respect followed by a two-minute silence in memory of Mr. Manekshaw. 'Field Marshall Manekshaw's illustrious military career spanned over four decades, from World War II to post-Independence conflicts. Revered for his strategic brilliance, charismatic leadership and unwavering courage, he remains an enduring symbol of India's military heritage,' the press release added.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Meet the two Indian Army generals who were promoted as field marshal
Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir has been promoted to the rank of field marshal for his apparent role in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. This move made him the second senior military officer in Pakistan to be promoted to the position. In India, the rank of field marshal has been conferred to only two officers until now: Sam Manekshaw in 1973 and Kodandera M Cariappa in 1986. Field marshal Sam Maneskshaw was conferred this rank in recognition of his service and leadership in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Born, 1914 in Amritsar to a Parsi family, Manekshaw was also known as 'Sam Bahadur'. After he completed his higher command course at the Imperial Defence College, Manekshaw was appointed the general officer commanding of the 26th Infantry Division. He was the first Indian field marshal, which is the highest rank in the Indian Army. His extraordinary leadership in the Indo-Pak war led to the creation of Bangladesh, in which his strategic brilliance proved instrumental for India's victory. In 1968, Manekshaw was awarded Padma Bhushan, the third highest civillian honour for his response to the Nagalan and Mizoram insurgencies. In 2008 he died due to a progressive lung disease. The first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army was field marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was the first Indian commander-in-chief and assumed position in 1949. While he is credited with many firsts, he had an instrumental role in the transition of the Indian military from colonial to independent India. Born into a family of farmers in Coorg province, his family called him 'Chimma'. After independence, Cariappa took the role of deputy chief of general staff and organised three successive attacks. The attacks were aimed at reclaiming the strategic areas of Naushera, Jhangar, Poonch, Zoji La, Dras, and Kargil. Cariappa was the first Indian officer to attend the Staff College, Quetta, and was later commanded the 1/7 Rajputs, making him the first Indian to lead a battalion. His career of three decades came to an end when he passed away on May 15, 1993.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
What is field marshal rank? How many generals have been promoted to this top position in India and Pakistan?
Pakistan government on Tuesday decided to promote Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal for his 'role' in the recent conflict with India. The decision makes General Munir the second top military officer in Pakistan's history to be elevated to the position. The decision to promote Gen Munir was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official statement. "The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of Gen Asim Munir (Nishan-e-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of Field Marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership," the prime minister's office said. But what is Field Marshal? How many generals in India and Pakistan have been promoted to this rank? Field marshal or FM is a five–star officer rank and the highest attainable rank in the Indian Army. The rank is immediately above general, but not in use in the army's current structure. The field marshal is a rank bestowed on generals for ceremonial purposes or during times of war. The rank has been awarded only twice in India. First conferred to Sam Manekshaw in 1973, in recognition of his service and leadership in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to promote Manekshaw to Field Marshal and subsequently to appoint him as the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) immediately after the war. On 3 January 1973, after his term as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Manekshaw was promoted to field marshal at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The second individual to be conferred the Field Marshal rank in India was Kodandera M Cariappa, the first Indian to serve as the Commander–in–Chief of the Indian Army – the office that later became the Chief of the Army Staff. Unlike Manekshaw, who was promoted to field marshal a few days before leaving office as Chief of the Army Staff, Cariappa had retired for close to 33 years at the time of his promotion. Cariappa was rewarded for his exemplary service and conferred the rank of field marshal on 15 January 1986 at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In recognition of his 'outstanding' military leadership, the cabinet approved the prime minister's proposal to promote Gen Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, a statement from the government of Pakistan informed. Gen Munir's promotion to the largely ceremonial rank came over a week-and-half after the Indian and Pakistani militaries reached an understanding on cessation of military actions after four days of intense hostilities. India has been maintaining that Pakistan pleaded for stopping the military actions after India hit nine military installations in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation was launched two weeks after terrorists struck and killed 26 people in Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir Earlier, the state-run PTV reported that the cabinet took the important decision to 'promote General Asim Munir as Field Marshal' of the country. "This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan,' Munir said in a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). General Munir, who headed both spy agencies - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Military Intelligence (MI) - assumed charge as the Army chief in November 2022. He succeeded General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retired after two consecutive three-year terms. Before Munir, General Ayub Khan was elevated to the highest military rank in Pakistan. Ayub Khan was conferred the rank of Field Marshal in 1959. Ayub Khan, who ruled the country from 1958 to 1969, also led the country in the 1965 war with India. This is not a personal achievement, but a tribute to the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. However, what makes the promotion of General Munir different is that Khan was ruling the country after imposing martial law and in a way himself responsible for his elevation. Pakistan's tryst with dictators like Ayub Khan has been written about in the country and beyond. One of the most vocal Pakistani poets during General Ayub Khan's tenure between 1958 and 1977 was Habib Jalib. Jalib is known for his powerful satire 'Mein ne us se yeh kaha' (I said this to him), which became one of his most referred-to verses from the dictatorship era.
