A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Summary and Explanation
CBSE Class 8 English Unit 2 – Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Summary, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from Poorvi Book
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CBSE Class 8 English Unit 2 Values and Dispositions Chapter 1 – A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
This chapter tells the story of Major Somnath Sharma, a valiant soldier who fought and sacrificed his life in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48.
- A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Summary
- A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Summary in Hindi
- A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Theme
- A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Explanation
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- A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Character Sketch
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A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Summary
The chapter is a tribute to Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. He sacrificed his life to defend Srinagar and received the award posthumously. He was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, an attractive town in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He came from a family with a deep and impactful military heritage. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, and his grandfather’s narrations of the battles of the Mahabharata, contributed to Major Somnath Sharma’s growing up years, learning the idealistic standards of a soldier. He did his early education at Sherwood College, Nainital, and his rigorous training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942. He served with distinction during World War II in the Arakan Campaign in Burma. A few days after independence, Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg on 22 October 1947 to capture Kashmir. Operation Gulmarg violated the agreement with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government sent troops via air because the land route of Pathankot was weak. There were rumours of a small group of tribal invaders infiltrating Badgam, which was a strategic and important location. The rumours were true. On 31 October 1947, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment was sent in via air along with other teams. D Company was led by Major Somnath Sharma, whose left hand was in plaster, but he refused to leave his men. The teams arrived on 3 November and waited till the afternoon for an attack. Slowly, the brigade headquarters called each team back. D Company was supposed to be the last team to return, starting at 2 pm. However, the group of invaders noticed that D Company had only 90 men and started to attack. D Company resisted the attack firmly, but Major Somnath Sharma predicted that the attack was a distraction. He was correct, and soon, the 90 men were facing 500 invaders from the opposite side. D Company was heavily outnumbered and facing devastating fire. However, Major Somnath Sharma refused to back down and fearlessly charged forward, filing the guns and firing back with courage. He urged his men to continue fighting till help and army support arrived. The men were dying, and their injuries were adding up, but Major Somnath Sharma refused to give up. He knew that the reinforcements were on their way, and if D Company gave up, the intruders would overpower the reinforcements as well. So, D Company showed immense valour and selflessness in this battle, the 90 men taking out 300 of the 500 Pakistani intruders. Major Somnath Sharma’s last words were to the brigade headquarters. The brigade headquarters asked Major Somnath Sharma to retreat, but Major Somnath Sharma refused, seeing the importance of being steadfast and determined. Major Somnath Sharma said that he and his men would not stand down, and they would take down every last man and use every last piece of ammunition to the fullest. He died when a mortar shell landed next to him while he was helping his gunner load his machine gun. His remaining men fought on for the next six hours, empowered by their major’s fearless and inspiring leadership. Major Somnath Sharma inspires the aspiring soldiers and invokes a sense of gratitude, admiration, and respect in the citizens. His name is forever etched on history and his legacy is honoured by the National War Memorial, songs, books, and other honorary tributes.
Summary of the Lesson A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam in Hindi
यह अध्याय परमवीर चक्र के प्रथम प्राप्तकर्ता मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा को श्रद्धांजलि है। उन्होंने श्रीनगर की रक्षा के लिए अपने प्राणों की आहुति दी और मरणोपरांत यह पुरस्कार प्राप्त किया। उनका जन्म 31 जनवरी 1923 को हिमाचल प्रदेश के कांगड़ा के एक आकर्षक कस्बे दाढ़ में हुआ था। वे एक ऐसे परिवार से थे जिसकी सैन्य पीढ़ी गहन और प्रभावशाली थी। उनके पिता, मेजर जनरल अमर नाथ शर्मा, और उनके दादा द्वारा महाभारत के युद्धों के वृत्तांतों से प्रेरित होकर, मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा एक सैनिक के आदर्शवादी आदर्शों को सीखते हुए बड़े हुए। उन्होंने अपनी प्रारंभिक शिक्षा शेरवुड कॉलेज, नैनीताल से और कठोर प्रशिक्षण रॉयल मिलिट्री कॉलेज, सैंडहर्स्ट से प्राप्त किया। मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा को 1942 में 19वीं हैदराबाद रेजिमेंट की 8वीं बटालियन में नियुक्त किया गया था। उन्होंने द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के दौरान बर्मा में अराकान अभियान में विशिष्टता के साथ सेवा की। आजादी के कुछ दिनों बाद, पाकिस्तान ने कश्मीर पर कब्जा करने के लिए 22 अक्टूबर 1947 को ऑपरेशन गुलमर्ग शुरू किया। ऑपरेशन गुलमर्ग ने जम्मू और कश्मीर के महाराजा हरि सिंह के साथ हुए समझौते का उल्लंघन किया। भारत सरकार ने हवाई मार्ग से सेना भेजी क्योंकि पठानकोट के स्थल मार्ग कमजोर थे। बड़गाम में आदिवासी आक्रमणकारियों के एक छोटे समूह की घुसपैठ की अफवाहें थीं, जो एक रणनीतिक और महत्वपूर्ण स्थान था। अफवाहें सच थीं। 31 अक्टूबर 1947 को, कुमाऊं रेजिमेंट की चौथी बटालियन की डी कंपनी को अन्य टीमों के साथ एयरलिफ्ट में भेजा गया था | डी कंपनी दोपहर 2 बजे लौटने वाली आखिरी टीम थी। हालाँकि, आक्रमणकारियों के समूह ने देखा कि डी कंपनी के पास केवल 90 सैनिक थे और उन्होंने हमला शुरू कर दिया। डी कंपनी ने दृढ़ता से हमले का विरोध किया, लेकिन मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा ने अनुमान लगाया कि यह हमला ध्यान भटकाने के लिए था। वह सही थे, और जल्द ही, 90 सैनिकों का सामना दूसरी ओर से 500 आक्रमणकारियों से हो गया। डी कंपनी संख्या में बहुत कम थी और विनाशकारी गोलाबारी का सामना कर रही थी। फिर भी, मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा ने पीछे हटने से इनकार कर दिया और निडर होकर आगे बढ़े, बंदूकें तान दीं और साहस के साथ जवाबी गोलीबारी की। उन्होंने अपने सैनिकों से आग्रह किया कि वे अतिरिक्त सैनिकों के आने तक लड़ते रहें। सैनिक मर रहे थे और उनकी चोटें बढ़ती जा रही थीं, लेकिन मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा ने हार नहीं मानी। वह जानते थे कि अतिरिक्त सैनिक आ रहे हैं, और अगर डी कंपनी ने हार मान ली, तो घुसपैठिए अतिरिक्त सैनिकों पर भी भारी पड़ेंगे। इसलिए, डी कंपनी ने इस युद्ध में अदम्य वीरता और निस्वार्थता का परिचय दिया, और उसके 90 सैनिकों ने 500 पाकिस्तानी घुसपैठियों में से 300 को मार गिराया। मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा के अंतिम शब्द ब्रिगेड मुख्यालय के लिए थे। ब्रिगेड मुख्यालय ने मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा को पीछे हटने के लिए कहा, लेकिन दृढ़ और दृढ़ निश्चयी होने के महत्व को समझते हुए मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा ने इनकार कर दिया। मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा ने कहा कि वह और उनके सैनिक पीछे नहीं हटेंगे, बल्कि वे आखिरी आदमी को मार गिराएँगे और गोला-बारूद का पूरा इस्तेमाल करेंगे। जब वह अपने गनर की मशीन गन लोड कर रहे थे, तभी एक मोर्टार का गोला उनके बगल में आकर गिरा, जिससे उनकी मृत्यु हो गई। उनके शेष सैनिक अपने मेजर के निडर और प्रेरक नेतृत्व से सशक्त होकर अगले छह घंटों तक लड़ते रहे। मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा महत्वाकांक्षी सैनिकों को प्रेरित करते हैं और नागरिकों में कृतज्ञता, प्रशंसा और सम्मान की भावना जगाते हैं। उनका नाम इतिहास में हमेशा के लिए अंकित हो गया है और उनकी विरासत को राष्ट्रीय युद्ध स्मारक, गीतों, पुस्तकों और अन्य सम्माननीय श्रद्धांजलि के माध्यम से सम्मानित किया जाता है।
Theme of the Lesson A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
A Tale of Valour is centred on the bravery, selflessness, and courage of Major Somnath Sharma. It highlights the Battle of Badgam in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-48 and how, with Major Somnath Sharma’s sacrifice and leadership, the Pakistani intruders were unable to capture the town and the Srinagar Airport. It showcases the standards that Major Somnath Sharma has set, inspiring aspiring soldiers and making citizens appreciate the liberty and peace they enjoy daily.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Explanation
Passage:
Mera desh, mera desh re
Mera desh hua re roshan,
le qurban kiya tujh hee pe ye tan man…
This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav— his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for our freedom.
Word-meanings:
tribute: an act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration
valiant: fearless and courageous
etched: permanently fixed in someone’s memory
annals: a record of events year by year
beacon: a source of inspiration
intersection: a point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect
recounting: to narrate; tell someone about something; give an account of an event or experience
valour: courage
legacy: the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life
devotion: love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person or activity
Explanation: The given lines are an extract from the song ‘Mera Desh’ by Shankar Mahadevan. The chapter shows gratitude, respect, or admiration towards Major Somnath Sharma. He was a fearless soldier, and for his bravery, he became the first soldier to be honoured with the Param Vir Chakra. He showed immense courage, his name was recorded permanently in the history of India. Major Somnath Sharma sacrificed his life for the country and the way he led his team and fought despite the odds now serves as a source of inspiration to aspiring soldiers and fighters. Patriotism is celebrated at many events, and in all those events, Major Somnath Sharma is always honoured. His name is commemorated in the National War Memorial, songs, books, and stories that describe acts of valour, as well as in the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. His bravery and courage have a deep and everlasting impact on the current generation, and with every patriotic celebration, his sacrifices for the country will be honoured by future generations as well. Major Somnath Sharma’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom and peace.
Passage: The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders. The day began with the silence of a cold November dawn but ended with echoes of courage that served as an inspiration for generations to come.
Word-meanings:
serene: calm, peaceful, and untroubled
majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or scale
extraordinary: remarkable or amazing
heroism: great bravery
integrity: the quality of being honest and having a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values
Explanation: The valleys of Kashmir in the shadows of the impressive Himalayas, seem calm and peaceful on the outside. However, in those same calm valleys, there occurred a story showcasing great bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers as they fought for the country’s morals and ethics. The story took place on an evening in the month of November. The day began with a cold dawn over the valley but ended with cries of courage as the Indian soldiers valiantly protected the Indian border.
Passage: This is the story of Major Somnath Sharma and the brave men that he led on a mission to protect the Srinagar airport from falling into the hands of a guerrilla force trained and backed by Pakistan. This is a story of how 90 men managed to foil the plan of some 500 infiltrators who wanted to capture Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley and deliver a blow to newly-independent India.
Word-meanings:
guerilla: a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces
infiltrators: people who secretly invade
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma and his team’s mission was to protect the Srinagar airport from an independent group of infiltrators trained by Pakistan. The guerilla force’s objective was to make India weak and to take control of the country right after they achieved freedom from British rule. The guerilla force was composed of 500 invaders. Major Somnath Sharma and his team were just 90 in number. Yet, Major Somnath Sharma and his team succeeded through sheer determination, perseverance, and valiance.
Passage: The events that led to the Battle of Badgam started in August 1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir Valley. This was in violation of an existing agreement with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, who had committed Pakistan not to attack the state.
Word-meanings:
annex: to take possession of
Explanation: The Battle of Badgam started shortly after our independence in August 1947. Pakistan launched an operation named Gulmarg to capture the Kashmir Valley, which violated the agreement with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir at that time.
Passage: However, instead of honouring the commitment, the Pakistani Army trained and equipped around 1000 invaders who possessed deep knowledge of mountain passes and the local terrain to enter Kashmir and take control of strategic locations, including the Srinagar airport. The ultimate goal of their plan was to engineer a revolt in Kashmir, overthrow the government, and capture the territory. If they had succeeded, it would have allowed them to control strategic mountain passes, peaks, and rivers. On 22 October, Operation Gulmarg was launched and these infiltrators invaded Kashmir, which led to the Princely State becoming a part of India on 26 October 1947.
Word-meanings:
revolt: revolutionary or rebellious fight
princely state: a territory in colonial India nominally ruled by a local Indian monarch but subject to the supreme authority of the British Crown
Explanation: Pakistan did not honour the agreement with Hari Singh, and sent 1000 invaders who were trained and taught about mountain passes and the local terrain by the Pakistani Army. In Operation Gulmarg, the invaders were ordered to capture strategic locations like the Srinagar airport with the ultimate objective to overthrow the Indian government. This was launched on 22 October, a few days before Kashmir officially became a part of India.
Passage: In response to this invasion, the Government of India sent its troops to defend the people of Kashmir and India’s borders on 27 October 1947. A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was airlifted into Srinagar because the land route through Pathankot was not in a good condition.
Word-meanings:
contingent: a group of people sharing a common feature
Explanation: The government of India fought to save its territory in response to Pakistan’s Operation Gulmarg by sending a group of troops via airlift to Srinagar on 27 October 1947. Land route was not chosen because the route through Pathankot was not in good condition. The land route would have been risky and more time-consuming.
Passage: On 31 October, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was also flown into Srinagar. At that time, Major Somnath Sharma’s left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on being with his company while in combat. He knew that this mission would be very challenging and told his senior officers, “I know my men better than anyone else, and if they are going into action, they are not going in without me.” These words highlighted his commitment to his men and his country.
Word-meanings:
battalion: a large body of troops ready for battle
plaster: a hard white substance made by the addition of water to powdered and partly dehydrated gypsum, used for holding broken bones in place and making sculptures and casts
combat: a battle
commitment: the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity
Explanation: The D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment was sent into Srinagar via air on 31 October 1947. The D Company was under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, whose left hand was broken and was in plaster. However, Major Somnath Sharma knew that the mission was challenging and only he understood his men the best. In order to ensure the mission was a success, he would have to lead them in battle. This showed his dedication towards his team and his country. Even though he was already injured, he refused to step down.
Passage: Before their arrival in Srinagar, there had been unfounded rumours of tribal movement towards the village of Badgam, less than 5 kilometres away from the Srinagar airport. The village was on a higher altitude than the airfield, and access was through the village. Hence, it was important for Indian forces to retain control of the area in order to protect troops and facilitate supplies arriving via air.
Word-meanings:
unfounded: not based on reason or facts
Explanation: There were rumors of tribal movement towards the village of Badgam which was 5 kilometres away from Srinagar airport and was on the higher altitude that the airbase. Therefore, by having control on Badgam, India would be able to protect troops and provide supplies to the area which were transported through air.
Passage: In reality, the enemy had started arriving in Badgam in small groups to avoid detection. On 03 November 1947, several companies, including Major Somnath Sharma’s D Company, were sent to patrol and assess emerging threats in and around the village. Throughout the day, the valley was eerily silent. Around afternoon, the companies were ordered to return one by one. D company with 90 soldiers was the last, and they were expected to return by 2:00 p.m.
Word-meanings:
detection: identifying the presence of something concealed
assess: evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of
eerily: in a strange, frightening and mysterious way
Explanation: The rumors did not have any evidence backing them up, but they were true. The enemy was carrying out Operation Gulmarg by sending small groups of men to Badgam, to prevent being detected. The enemy troops were able to remain hidden for some time. On 3 November, several companies which included the D Company, were sent to the village to examine the situation. Throughout the day, the valley was silent but in a way that made the soldiers feel disturbed and tense. In the afternoon, the companies were ordered to return one by one. D Company had only 90 soldiers and were the last to return by 2:00 p.m.
Passage: When the enemy (tribal guerrilla invaders), under the command of the Pakistani army, saw that only a small group of Indian soldiers were left behind in Badgam, they attacked them. Their initial attack was met with stiff resistance by Major Somnath and his men. However, Major Somnath correctly visualised that the first attack was just a distraction. Shortly thereafter, a major attack came from another side. By then, Major Somnath Sharma and his 90 soldiers were facing about 500 invaders.
Explanation: When the small group of tribal invaders, under the command of the Pakistani army, saw the small company, it attacked them. The D Company resisted the attack firmly. However, Major Somnath Sharma predicted that the attack was just a distraction. He was correct, and soon, there was a major attack from the other end, which consisted of 500 invaders.
Passage: The Pakistani invaders sought to capture the Srinagar airfield and its surrounding areas. It was clear to Major Somnath Sharma that defending Srinagar town, the airfield, and the wider valley was indeed difficult until reinforcements arrived.
Word-meanings:
reinforcements: extra personnel sent to increase the strength of an army or similar force
Explanation: The invaders aimed to capture the Srinagar airfield and the surrounding areas. The D Company had just 90 men, and Major Somnath Sharma could tell that they needed extra personnel to defend Srinagar town, the airfield, and the wider valley.
Passage: After assessing the situation, he requested air strikes. He bravely laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft towards their target. The aerial attacks were successful in hitting the tribal invaders, but they still outnumbered D Company by almost seven to one, the attack on the positions occupied by Major Somnath’s men continued.
Word-meanings:
outnumbered: were greater in number
Explanation: After that evaluation, Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes. Even though they were under attack, he left his cover and bravely put down ground panels to guide the aircraft. The air strikes were successful, but the D Company was still lesser in number, with the ratio of invader to soldier being seven to one.
Passage: Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging his men to fight with tenacity and valour.
Word-meanings:
devastating: highly destructive or damaging
resolute: determined
tenacity: determination
Explanation: The invaders were much greater in number and their attack was too destructive. However, Major Somnath Sharma and his men stood determined. Major Somnath Sharma strongly encouraged his men to not step down and to fight with determination and courage.
Passage: Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground.
Word-meanings:
casualties: a person killed or injured in a war or accident
unparalleled: unmatched
magazines: (here) containers that hold cartridges to be fed into a gun
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma was injured and watched his men die in the war. Still, he displayed bravery never seen before by moving through the battlefield into the enemy’s territory, ordering where to fire, firing his gun and also filling magazines for all the gunners.
Passage: However, as the battle progressed, D Company began running out of ammunition. When Major Somnath Sharma informed Brigade headquarters about this, he was asked to pull back. Aware of the gravity of the situation, he responded with the words, “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round”.
Word-meanings:
ammunition: a supply of bullets, shells, and explosives
Explanation: As the battle continued, D Company began running out of bullets and other similar supplies. The Brigade headquarters ordered the D Company to return. Major Somnath Sharma said that the enemy was close, and even though they were heavily outnumbered and under damaging fire with no ammunition to fight back, the D Company would not withdraw an inch. Major Somnath Sharma and his men would take down the last man and use each and every bullet to take down the enemy.
Passage: Just a few minutes later, when he was crouched in a trench next to a machine gun operator, in order to help him load the gun, his position was hit by a mortar shell, killing him instantly.
Despite losing their Major and faced with the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, the heroic actions of late Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men to hold on to their position for over six more hours before being overrun by the enemy.
Word-meanings:
crouched: sat with knees bent
trench: a long, narrow ditch
mortar shell: bomb
Explanation: A few minutes after the talk with the Brigade headquarters, Major Somnath Sharma was sitting with his knees bent in a long, narrow ditch next to a machine gun operator. Major Somnath Sharma was helping him load the gun. However, he was hit by a bomb, and he died immediately. The rest of D Company did not back off even after losing their leader, because they were motivated by the heroism of their late Major. D Company held on for six more hours even after being greatly outnumbered.
Passage: Their brave resistance provided time for reinforcements to arrive, including flying in soldiers from the Punjab regiment to Srinagar. The heroic deeds of Major Somnath and his men thoroughly demotivated the enemy, causing more than 300 casualties, including injuring their leader.
Explanation: D Company’s fearless resistance gave time for reinforcements to arrive while also restricting the enemy movement and demotivating them. Soldiers flew in from the Punjab regiment to Srinagar. The 90 men of D Company caused more than 300 casualties, including injuring their leader.
Passage: In many significant ways, D Company’s sacrifice and Major Somnath’s leadership saved Srinagar for India. The 4 KUMAON battalion was awarded the Battle Honour, Srinagar. Major Somnath laid down his life for the nation at the young age of 24. For this act of conspicuous bravery, Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). His citation reflects his heroism, patriotism, and courage. He was the first recipient of the PVC, awarded posthumously for gallantry and supreme sacrifice.
Word-meanings:
conspicuous: noticeable
citation: a mention of a praiseworthy act in an official report, especially that of a member of the armed forces in wartime
posthumously: after death
gallantry: courageous behaviour, especially in battle
Explanation: All soldiers in the D Company sacrificed their lives to defend Srinagar airport and Kashmir valley. Major Somnath Sharma’s leadership motivated his men to fight till the very end and demotivated the Pakistani invaders. The battalion was awarded the battle honor, Srinagar. Major Somnath Sharma died at the young age of 24 and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), becoming the first recipient of the PVC, awarded after death.
Passage: We have delved into how the events of 03 November 1947, played out. It is also worth knowing more about the early life of Major Somnath and the events that led him to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction. Young Somnath was also deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather.
Word-meanings:
picturesque: visually attractive
legacy: life experiences, values, beliefs, and traditions passed down from generation to generation
distinction: excellence that sets someone or something apart from others
impart: to bestow a quality
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma fought and led his men valiantly till his last breath on 3 November 1947. His early life is important because it is what made Somnath Sharma the fearless Major Somnath Sharma. He was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, an attractive town in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He belonged to a family with a deep and impactful military heritage. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had also been valorous and exceptional. So, Major General Amar Nath Sharma was inspired by his father. From his grandfather, he listened to the heroic tales of the Mahabharata. Therefore, Major General Amar Nath Sharma was always motivated to be courageous and patriotic.
Passage: From his early education at Sherwood College, Nainital, to his rigorous training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Major Somnath Sharma’s life was a testament to discipline and dedication. Commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942, he served with distinction during World War II in the Arakan Campaign in Burma, earning mentions in despatches for his bravery. However, it was during the Indo–Pakistan War of 1947–1948, particulary in the battle of Badgam, that the legacy of Major Somnath Sharma was truly forged.
Word-meanings:
rigorous: extremely thorough
testament: strong evidence or proof
despatches: official reports on military affairs
forged: shaped or strengthened, often through hardship
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma did his early education at Sherwood College, Nainital. He did his military training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He served in the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942, then participated in the Arakan Campaign in Burma during World War II, and later in D Company during the Indo–Pakistan War of 1947–1948. His dedication and bravery earned him distinction not just in saying but also in official reports on military affairs. The legacy of Major Somnath Sharma was established by his sacrifice and leadership in the battle of Badgam.
Passage: The life and sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma embody the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism. He has been a source of inspiration for soldiers and citizens alike. Most importantly, his story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in defence of the motherland and highlights the profound sense of duty that inspired them.
Word-meanings:
embody: be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to, to personify
ideals: a standard or principle to be aimed at
profound: deep
Explanation: Major Somnath Sharma is the personification of the highest standards in terms of duty, honor, and patriotism. His story inspires aspiring soldiers and reminds citizens of the countless sacrifices made for their and their motherland’s safety, peace and liberty.
Passage: In the quiet of the Kashmir Valley, where the echoes of D Company’s battle with infiltrators have long since faded, the story of Major Somnath Sharma remains a beacon of courage and sacrifice. His valour ensured that the tricolour would continue to fly over Srinagar, and his name is forever etched in the golden pages of India’s military history. The life and legacy of Major Somnath Sharma stands as a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fought to protect it. His story, marked by selflessness and bravery, will continue to inspire and guide generations to come, ensuring that his sacrifice is never to be forgotten. His name is etched on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial.
Word-meanings:
poignant: emotional and sad
Explanation: In the Kashmir Valley, where the battle took place, the sounds and shouts of D Company and their fight against the infiltrators can no longer be heard. However, the result of their sacrifices is still visible, as our tricolor flag still flies over Srinagar, untouched by the invaders. Major Somnath Sharma’s name is marked in the pages of India’s military history and the fight for independence, and on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial. His story has an emotional impact on all Indians, and it makes us understand the price of freedom. His powerful spirit will never be forgotten, as we will continue to honor and remember him, and new soldiers will aspire to uphold his character while defending our land.
Let us salute this braveheart.
Vande Mataram, vande mataraṁ
Sujalam suphalam malayaja shitalam,
Shasya shyamalam ṃataram!
Vande Mataram, vande mataram
vande mataram…
Jai Hind
Conclusion
This post on the lesson A Tale of Valour from the Unit Values and Dispositions of Class 8 English, Poorvi Book, will help students get a summary and explanation of the story.