What do you think?
Rate this book
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, fondly known as Sam Bahadur, was one of the greatest war heroes and military leaders of India. The first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank of Field Marshal, Sam Bahadur continues to be the most admired of our Army Chiefs.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2017
156 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Hanadi Falki
8 books28 followersHanadi Falki is an award-winning Indian author, creative writing mentor, and the Executive Director of WakeUp India Education and Medical Trust.
She won the TCK Reader's Choice Award 2018 for her debut novel, ‘The Price of Our Silence’ and the Top Influential Authors Award 2018 by ‘The Indian Awaaz’ for her collection of short stories, 'Women Around Us'. She has also written biographies and has contributed short stories in several bestselling anthologies.
Hanadi is a recipient of the University Gold Medal for English Literature (Aligarh Muslim University) and has a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. She conducts Creative Writing Workshops for kids and raises awareness on social issues through her books.
Along with her career in the field of writing as a Content Developer, Editor, Digital Content Specialist and then a Communications Director, she has worked with various organizations trying to combat extreme poverty and polio, raise awareness on various social issues and bridge the gap between people of different faiths and income groups.
She won the TCK Reader's Choice Award 2018 for her debut novel, ‘The Price of Our Silence’ and the Top Influential Authors Award 2018 by ‘The Indian Awaaz’ for her collection of short stories, 'Women Around Us'. She has also written biographies and has contributed short stories in several bestselling anthologies.
Hanadi is a recipient of the University Gold Medal for English Literature (Aligarh Muslim University) and has a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. She conducts Creative Writing Workshops for kids and raises awareness on social issues through her books.
Along with her career in the field of writing as a Content Developer, Editor, Digital Content Specialist and then a Communications Director, she has worked with various organizations trying to combat extreme poverty and polio, raise awareness on various social issues and bridge the gap between people of different faiths and income groups.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 8, 2025
5.0 ⭐
GENRE - BIOGRAPHY
PAGES - 260
India has had 2 Field Marshal's one was Kodandera M Cariappa and the other was SAM MANEKSHAW.
This book speaks about one of India's greatest War Generals and Hero Sam Bahadur Manekshaw.
Born into an affluent Parsi family of Bombay, Sam was one of the few who graduated from the first batch Indian Military Academy of 1933 - 34 batch. The newly established IMA was looking for new recruits and Sam accidentally appeared to give the entrance and get selected for the IMA. He had done that in anger because he wanted to study medicine in the UK and become a doctor but because his father had already sponsored his 2 other kids earlier for study in the The UK he wasn't able to afford Sam's education at that time. What appeared to be a loss for the medical profession turned out to be a Boon for the Indian Army.
Sam graduated and later on participated in the 2nd World War. After Independence he chose India over Pakistan as his roots were from Bombay also his wife's family belonged to Bombay although Mohammed Ali Jinnah had invited him to stay in Pakistan and choose a regiment of his choice in the Pakistan Army.
In 1971 he alongside Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in creation of Bangladesh, leading India as the Chief Of Army Staff and winning the 1971 Indo Pak War within 13 days, also changing the demographic of the Sub Continent.
He later was promoted to Field Marshal and was given various tiltles from countries Like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan apart from India.
The government of India however did not give him the due he deserved and not much was written or spoken about him by our Media and Politicians. In 2023 a movie by the name SAM BAHADUR was made in memory of him starring the famous actor Vicky Kaushal. I believe a web series would have been able to showcase the great man's life in detail.
The book is written in simple English language and is a quick and intresting read. Highly Recommended.
Thank You. ✌️🫡💚
GENRE - BIOGRAPHY
PAGES - 260
India has had 2 Field Marshal's one was Kodandera M Cariappa and the other was SAM MANEKSHAW.
This book speaks about one of India's greatest War Generals and Hero Sam Bahadur Manekshaw.
Born into an affluent Parsi family of Bombay, Sam was one of the few who graduated from the first batch Indian Military Academy of 1933 - 34 batch. The newly established IMA was looking for new recruits and Sam accidentally appeared to give the entrance and get selected for the IMA. He had done that in anger because he wanted to study medicine in the UK and become a doctor but because his father had already sponsored his 2 other kids earlier for study in the The UK he wasn't able to afford Sam's education at that time. What appeared to be a loss for the medical profession turned out to be a Boon for the Indian Army.
Sam graduated and later on participated in the 2nd World War. After Independence he chose India over Pakistan as his roots were from Bombay also his wife's family belonged to Bombay although Mohammed Ali Jinnah had invited him to stay in Pakistan and choose a regiment of his choice in the Pakistan Army.
In 1971 he alongside Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in creation of Bangladesh, leading India as the Chief Of Army Staff and winning the 1971 Indo Pak War within 13 days, also changing the demographic of the Sub Continent.
He later was promoted to Field Marshal and was given various tiltles from countries Like Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan apart from India.
The government of India however did not give him the due he deserved and not much was written or spoken about him by our Media and Politicians. In 2023 a movie by the name SAM BAHADUR was made in memory of him starring the famous actor Vicky Kaushal. I believe a web series would have been able to showcase the great man's life in detail.
The book is written in simple English language and is a quick and intresting read. Highly Recommended.
Thank You. ✌️🫡💚
March 8, 2018
There are a few people, especially in military, who go unsung by later generations. Sam Manekshaw is one of them. Though, hailed as one of the greatest commanders in Indian Army and respected by all who lived in his times, he is lost in the chapters of history, just to be ruffled sometimes like dry leaves lying as a bookmark.
This book is a commendable approach to bring out the greatness of the man. It is an inspiration for not only the army but anyone who wants to approcah the tenet of leadership with elan and charisma.
Who wouldnt want to work under such a leader. After all, the raisins imbibe the water they lie in till they blossom into a taut grape.
This book is a commendable approach to bring out the greatness of the man. It is an inspiration for not only the army but anyone who wants to approcah the tenet of leadership with elan and charisma.
Who wouldnt want to work under such a leader. After all, the raisins imbibe the water they lie in till they blossom into a taut grape.
May 19, 2021
While the book has lot of anecdotes about Sam, you don't feel like you are reading a biography as the sequencing of events is not apt.
However, since there are very few write up available on Sam, it was a delight to read about life of India's first Field Marshal !!
However, since there are very few write up available on Sam, it was a delight to read about life of India's first Field Marshal !!
November 22, 2018
Thank you Author for writing such an awesome book of such an extraordinary person.
Initially I started reading sample of this book but as sample ended I purchased immediately and within 2 days finished it. I gave it 5star because from each paragraph you will get something. I am very proud of Sam Sir.
You will see in book the word wit(meaning clever) about Sam Sir's remarks.
Despite of bullets in body sir encouraged his fellow jawans to continue battling. His regiment people made a song on their favourite leader.
At the end of book author gave qualities of a best leader that Sir Manekshaw thinks.
Again thank you so much author for writing such a beautiful book.
Initially I started reading sample of this book but as sample ended I purchased immediately and within 2 days finished it. I gave it 5star because from each paragraph you will get something. I am very proud of Sam Sir.
You will see in book the word wit(meaning clever) about Sam Sir's remarks.
Despite of bullets in body sir encouraged his fellow jawans to continue battling. His regiment people made a song on their favourite leader.
At the end of book author gave qualities of a best leader that Sir Manekshaw thinks.
Again thank you so much author for writing such a beautiful book.
May 29, 2020
We hear the name of this man when we discuss the India-Pakistan war of 1971, even before that war Field Marshal has played a really important role in the various positions he has held in British Indian army as well as Indian Army.
This book starts with his journey of getting into the army and then establishing his credential in front of his bosses. Field Marshal make us realise that age is not a bar to do anything and he at various instant proves himself worthy of all the respect and praise which he has received.
One thing which I liked the most about the protagonist is his sense of humour through which he has managed to win every person, be it friend or frenemy.
This book starts with his journey of getting into the army and then establishing his credential in front of his bosses. Field Marshal make us realise that age is not a bar to do anything and he at various instant proves himself worthy of all the respect and praise which he has received.
One thing which I liked the most about the protagonist is his sense of humour through which he has managed to win every person, be it friend or frenemy.
September 3, 2018
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is a hero and will continue to inspire generations of Indians. While the book describes some very interesting incidents and anecdotes from his time with the Indian Army throughout his illustrious career, the author unfortunately has done a very poor job of telling his story. The text is all over the place and repeats same things many times. No doubt Sam is great, but the author goes overboard with it!
I am sure there are better books on Sam, and I am looking forward to reading them.
I am sure there are better books on Sam, and I am looking forward to reading them.
April 4, 2018
In today's India of "nationalists" and "Patriots", we all can take a leaf out of the life of the protagonist, Sam Bahadur as he was lovingly called by his Gorkha soldiers.This towering personality exuded leadership, generosity, humour and courage throughout his storied life.What an amazing book filled with real life anecdotes of the finest military general produced by the Indian Army!!Jai Jawan!!
April 5, 2022
Pretty decent history of Manekshaw's professional and personal life. This felt a bit informally written.
Short read, finished in a couple of hours.
Short read, finished in a couple of hours.
June 30, 2018
5 star rating of the book is for the Personality who was the First 5 Star Field Marshal of India.
The book js largely a collection of anecdotes which shed a light on the kind of person Sam Manekshaw was.
The injustices done to the legend by our clownish politicians and people who call themselves leaders is disheartening.
All i can say that this was a man after my own heart.
A true leader of men.
The book js largely a collection of anecdotes which shed a light on the kind of person Sam Manekshaw was.
The injustices done to the legend by our clownish politicians and people who call themselves leaders is disheartening.
All i can say that this was a man after my own heart.
A true leader of men.
March 15, 2020
Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw was hailed as a "legandary soldier" and an "inspiration" to his fellow citizens, and glowing tributes were paid to the former Chief of Indian Army who crafted India’s greatest military victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Sam will remain an example of self-sacrifice, personal bravery, and steadfast devotion to duty that began before India’s independence, and will deservedly live in the annals of military history of India forever.
June 6, 2020
We all know Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw as a great Army officer, this book tells us why.
The book is well written. It covers almost all aspects of his life without being verbose or leaving out any major incident. This book also gives insights into the personal life of Sam Bahadur and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy which involved him.
The author has done great work defining the chapters and their scope.
It’s an interesting read.
The book is well written. It covers almost all aspects of his life without being verbose or leaving out any major incident. This book also gives insights into the personal life of Sam Bahadur and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy which involved him.
The author has done great work defining the chapters and their scope.
It’s an interesting read.
April 7, 2018
Excellent read..
Excellent read.. a proud moment for every Indian to know that once our motherland had legend 'sam bahadur' .. Also it throws a light beautifully on how to live a life and how not to..
Excellent read.. a proud moment for every Indian to know that once our motherland had legend 'sam bahadur' .. Also it throws a light beautifully on how to live a life and how not to..
June 3, 2020
An inspiring story.I wanted to read about FM Sam Manekshaw for a long timeand after reading this book I feel proud to know his journey and its impact on our lives.
A must read for anyone who is interested in History, Defense, India's various wars, Inspiring Personalities etc.
A must read for anyone who is interested in History, Defense, India's various wars, Inspiring Personalities etc.
July 6, 2018
Lucid writing
This one of most beautifully written biographies with plenty of anecdotes focussing on Sam Mnekshaw's personality. Though not much on army working etc
This one of most beautifully written biographies with plenty of anecdotes focussing on Sam Mnekshaw's personality. Though not much on army working etc
July 15, 2018
Great Leader
Great Reading. I doubt why there is no chapter on Manekshaw in our text books. Good narration and detailing. Must read
Great Reading. I doubt why there is no chapter on Manekshaw in our text books. Good narration and detailing. Must read
October 28, 2019
A much needed book regarding the life and and professional career of of India's greatest military leader. The book could have been improved by better editing.
April 26, 2020
I loved this book.
Everyone should read this book of the real legend of our country. It's literally awesome. I personally loved it a lot. :)
Everyone should read this book of the real legend of our country. It's literally awesome. I personally loved it a lot. :)
January 16, 2025
Inspiring!
August 17, 2025
I was really torn on the rating of this book, since the man, sam maneksaw and his life is nothing short of exemplary, but the author was all over the place in terms of writing and chronology of events. So lets talk about each separately.
So, Sam manekshaw has to be one of the greatest military leaders in India and possibly the world. There are so many qualities he possessed that I truly admired and hope to emulate in my life. It was truly an honor to read about his life and his thought process and outlook towards life. Be it discipline, leadership, attention to detail, generosity and most important of all, his sense of humor even in the most dire situations was truly remarkable. After Elon musk, I think this was the 2nd biography that I read that really inspired me to be better.
Now, onto the author, I though the writing was very disjointed (just felt like reading a bunch of anecdotes and instances, without any linkage or order to them). There was no thought given to continuity or chronology of events, just a mish mash of different instances of his life(which were all pretty impressive), but also completely out of sync. The timeline was pretty random, the thoughts were pretty random and worst of all, there are grammatical mistakes as well and just a general lack of coherence in some of the paragraphs. In essence, shoddy writing .
But overall, the story of Sam Manekshaw and the strength of his character shines through and through. Cant wait to watch the movie now.
Rating : 4/5
So, Sam manekshaw has to be one of the greatest military leaders in India and possibly the world. There are so many qualities he possessed that I truly admired and hope to emulate in my life. It was truly an honor to read about his life and his thought process and outlook towards life. Be it discipline, leadership, attention to detail, generosity and most important of all, his sense of humor even in the most dire situations was truly remarkable. After Elon musk, I think this was the 2nd biography that I read that really inspired me to be better.
Now, onto the author, I though the writing was very disjointed (just felt like reading a bunch of anecdotes and instances, without any linkage or order to them). There was no thought given to continuity or chronology of events, just a mish mash of different instances of his life(which were all pretty impressive), but also completely out of sync. The timeline was pretty random, the thoughts were pretty random and worst of all, there are grammatical mistakes as well and just a general lack of coherence in some of the paragraphs. In essence, shoddy writing .
But overall, the story of Sam Manekshaw and the strength of his character shines through and through. Cant wait to watch the movie now.
Rating : 4/5
June 26, 2021
I was glued to the book as if i am living the life witnessing the great Sam Manekshaw. Very well written and organized. Some information seems to be repeated which distracts the flow sometimes but everything else seems to be awesome. Kudos to the author for presenting him in such a gallantry way.
While reading through each of the pages i was wishing that there should not come any chapter where this legend's life ends and when it came, i realised that today is his death anniversary.
While reading through each of the pages i was wishing that there should not come any chapter where this legend's life ends and when it came, i realised that today is his death anniversary.
March 5, 2022
The greatest military leader India has known, the legend Sam Bahadur.
The tragedy that Sam never wrote an autobiography is what I was left desiring post finishing this book - that there isn't any more. Crisply written, Hanaki sheds light on the path our beloved Field Marshal took through his journey, while highlighting prominent incidents that keep you giggling and in awe.
A constant source of unmatched inspiration, admiration and unfaltering courage.
The tragedy that Sam never wrote an autobiography is what I was left desiring post finishing this book - that there isn't any more. Crisply written, Hanaki sheds light on the path our beloved Field Marshal took through his journey, while highlighting prominent incidents that keep you giggling and in awe.
A constant source of unmatched inspiration, admiration and unfaltering courage.
March 5, 2023
Intriguing personality of the first Field Marshal of India made me read this book. It was pleasure to read the anecdotes of his life. But it didn’t feel like reading a biography. Of course, the author has successfully drawn a picture of the Field Marshal where the reader is able to see a human being in the uniform. His leadership, negotiating skills, his patriotism and his love for the jawans is simply great.
He does not get the credit he is worth of from us.
He does not get the credit he is worth of from us.
April 28, 2023
when I read first 5 pages of this book I felt that, I should complete this book as soon as possible the author has put her too much hard work cause very less information is available on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw it also gave an detailed overview of Sam's officer and leader like quality which he posed at last I would like to say that "Many can create history but only few can write it down and Hanadi Falki is one of them
December 24, 2023
I would have given a 5 star had this been a better organised book. I missed the chronology of events and a better organization of the timeline. But, hats of to Falki for putting this together. Awesome. Sam Bahadur you are immortal. A lot of lessons to learn from this illustrious soldier. Lessons for life and work. Lessons for treating people well. Putting country over person. Having the courage and dignity to stand up to what is honest and truthful. Long live Sam Bahadur. Loved reading it.
June 2, 2024
Although the book is short, less than 200 pages however it gives an insightful glimpse into the life of FM Sam Manekshaw.
What an individual, his scruples, way of living life, sense of humour and the gift of gab.
His presence itself brought the best in others. I must say, reading about him is like having a view into the life of many virtuous men (all amalgamated into one).
A must read!
What an individual, his scruples, way of living life, sense of humour and the gift of gab.
His presence itself brought the best in others. I must say, reading about him is like having a view into the life of many virtuous men (all amalgamated into one).
A must read!
April 26, 2025
Great book
Reading Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Soldier and Gentleman felt like sitting down with an old soldier sharing stories over coffee funny, inspiring, and deeply human. It didn’t feel like a dry history book it felt personal full of warmth and respect and left me admiring not just the hero, but the man behind the uniform.
Reading Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Soldier and Gentleman felt like sitting down with an old soldier sharing stories over coffee funny, inspiring, and deeply human. It didn’t feel like a dry history book it felt personal full of warmth and respect and left me admiring not just the hero, but the man behind the uniform.
April 19, 2021
Very shabby tribute to a persona like Sam Bahadur. Narrative could have been better. Ringside view of his thought process, strategic decision etc. would have thrown more light into the genius that he was. 3 Star is only for how the book is written not the person himself.
December 23, 2021
All hail the great soldier!
Probably India's greatest warrior. An impeccable gentleman, a fine strategist-his wit and humor are unparalleled for men of his calibre. A riveting read.!
Probably India's greatest warrior. An impeccable gentleman, a fine strategist-his wit and humor are unparalleled for men of his calibre. A riveting read.!
July 25, 2022
An awesome soldier
Pretty lucid , nicely narrated with due highlights of various aspects of the life of a true legend. Would have loved if few more pages or more content would have been there
Pretty lucid , nicely narrated with due highlights of various aspects of the life of a true legend. Would have loved if few more pages or more content would have been there
May 27, 2023
Great book with pleasant exposure to the life and traits of one of the greatest son of mother India.
The book takes us in the splendid ride of leadership skills and how should one live gracefully in his life.
Best book ever read.
The book takes us in the splendid ride of leadership skills and how should one live gracefully in his life.
Best book ever read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews