People remember Sam Manekshaw fondly for his fantastic leadership at the helm of our army while fending off offensives from across the border and also for being a supremely intelligent and quick witted man who took no nonsense from anyone, primarily of whom was former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. But did you know he almost didn't make it into the army? 

Born April 3rd, 1914, Sam Manekshaw went through life like a champion and categorically made the right choices all along, although I'm not sure if he would agree with them. Here's what you need to know about him. 

1. His father refused to let him join the army:

Times change but some things remain the same. Manekshaw came from a privileged family and naturally when you have privilege, you can also avoid joining the army to make a living. Hence the objection by his father. Nonetheless, Sam Manekshaw wrote his entrance exam and went straight to the army because he wanted to serve his country. 

2. Partition Choices:  

When India was freed from the British rule and Pakistan formed, officers in the army were given a choice between serving the British or the Indian army. Manekshaw considered his options before choosing India and we are all the better for it. In an interview years later, when asked if he had gone with Pakistan instead and a war broke out, what would have happened, he replied, "Well, then Pakistan would have won." 

3. He also happens to be a World War II Veteran:  

In 1942, Manekshaw served as the Captain of the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma during World War II against the Japanese Army. This was extremely important because curtailing the Japanese in Burma ensured the war machine from not moving forward anymore than the country. 

4. Uniting force:  

As the Chief of the Army Staff, he served the nation by counterfeiting the Indian Army into an efficient instrument of war. He united the army, navy and air force into a close knit team which resulted in the defeat of the Pakistani Army in Eastern Front in 1965 and the significant achievements of the Indian Army during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War that led to the liberation of Bangladesh

5. Famous Last Words:  

He passed away on June 27th, 2008 after succumbing to pneumonia. According to official sources, his very last words were 'I'm okay', truly encompassing his incredibly storied life in one line before he took his final breath.