The release of "Sam Bahadur," starring Vicky Kaushal, has generated significant buzz, with audiences praising Kaushal's performance. The movie's success is evident as it continues to run successfully in theaters during its second week. Despite the passing weeks, there remains palpable eagerness among the audience to watch the film.
However, "Sam Bahadur" is not a fictional character; instead, the movie draws inspiration from real-life events.
To understand who Sam Bahadur is, we need to go back to the 1950s in Bangladesh, then East Pakistan.
After the partition and India’s independence from British rule, a new nation, Pakistan, was created. This new nation was split into two regions: West Pakistan and East Pakistan (today’s Bangladesh).
The vast distance and differences in culture, language, and identity between the two regions, coupled with West Pakistan's political and economic power, led to tensions and protest movements in East Pakistan.
The first act of rebellion against the Pakistan forces by East Pakistan, or Bangladesh was seen as the language movement arose.
The Bengali Language Movement, also known as the Bhasha Andolon, emerged as a significant political initiative in East Pakistan in 1952. It aimed to secure official recognition for the Bengali language within the Dominion of Pakistan. The movement sought acknowledgment in government affairs, education, media, currency, stamps, and the preservation of the Bengali script.
In 1948, as part of Islamization and Arabization efforts, the Government of the Dominion of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language, contemplating the use of Bengali in Arabic script, Roman script, or Arabic itself. This decision triggered widespread protests among the Bengali-speaking majority.
Despite the government's initial resistance, persistent conflicts, and the tragic events of that day, the central government eventually yielded in 1956, officially granting status to the Bengali language.
The Bengali Language Movement was the beginning of a plethora of events culminating into the Bangladesh Liberation War.
The Bangladesh Liberation War began with Pakistan's Operation Chengiz Khan, escalating quickly as India joined the fray on the side of Bengali nationalist forces. The military crackdown on East Pakistan began on March 25, 1971, leading to mass arrests, strikes, and non-cooperation.
The Indian government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, ordered General Sam Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal, to prepare for military action in aid of Bangladesh. Indian forces engaged in direct fire against Pakistani troops by November 1971.
As the world watched, the war ended with the instrument of surrender signed in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, marking a definitive moment in the history of the subcontinent.
The war's aftermath included the capture of approximately 93,000 Pakistani servicemen by the Indian Army and widespread atrocities committed by the Pakistani military in East Pakistan.
The recently released Indian biographical war drama film, "Sam Bahadur," directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Vicky Kaushal, sheds light on the remarkable life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The film, released on December 1, 2023, has garnered substantial attention, grossing Rs 85.73 crore worldwide.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, fondly known as "Sam Bahadur" or "Sam the Brave," played a pivotal role in the Indian Army during a career that spanned four decades and five wars.
Commissioned into the 4th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Regiment, in 1932, Manekshaw showcased exceptional gallantry in World War II, earning the Military Cross. Post-independence, he served in various capacities, contributing significantly to India's military prowess.
The most notable chapter of Sam Manekshaw's illustrious career unfolded during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. As the Chief of the Army Staff, he led Indian forces to a resounding victory against Pakistan, resulting in the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971. The war, one of the most violent conflicts of the 20th century, witnessed widespread atrocities and the exodus of millions.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw's strategic acumen and leadership were instrumental in the successful campaigns against Pakistan during the 1971 war. His military brilliance led to the defeat of the Pakistani Armed Forces and the eventual secession of East Pakistan, marking the birth of the independent nation of Bangladesh. The surrender of Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi on December 16, 1971, at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, symbolised the culmination of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
In honour of the Victory Day celebrated on December 16th in Bangladesh, the significance of Sam Manekshaw's contributions cannot be overstated. This day marks the defeat of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the official secession of East Pakistan to become Bangladesh. The commemorations extend to India as well, where "Vijay Diwas" is observed to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the war.
While the film "Sam Bahadur" introduces a cinematic portrayal of Sam Manekshaw, it is important for audiences to recognise the real-life heroics of this distinguished military leader, known as Sam Bahadur.
(All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)