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Extract from the Story
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.
Primary Source: The Official Citations
NCERT reproduces two official documents on pages 55 and 57 as primary-source evidence of Major Somnath Sharma’s gallantry. Both are given here exactly as printed in the textbook.
Subject :- HONOURS AND AWARDS.
Herewith I am forwarding the following names for an immediate award for personal courage and bravery :-
1. No. Rank Name Unit Appointment
IC-521 T/MAJOR SOM NATH SHARMA 4 KUMAON O.C.’D’ COY.
2. HONOUR RECOMMENDED FOR :- Immediate Award of M.C.
3. CITATION :- On landing at SIRINAGAR airfield Major S.N.Sharma’s ‘D’ Coy was despatched to BADGAM village, with a view to prevent enemy from infiltrating and attacking SIRINAGAR airfield Major Sharma’s Coy was involved in action against approximately 1000 enemy strong.
Major Sharma’s leadership and personal courage and sacrificing his life by moving from post to post under heavy mortar and automatic fire he was responsible for his Coy holding against an overwhelming majority of enemy for nearly 4 hours and inflicting over 300 casualties on his enemy. Not only this even after his death his personal example of heroic enthusiasm made the Coy to fight for over an hour and only withdrew in an orderly fashion when ordered by the re-inforcement Commander. But for this Offr’s bravery and sacrifice of his own life it is most probable that the SIRINAGAR Airfield would have been over run by the enemy and jeopardised the whole KASHMIR operations.
4. Date and Place of Action :- 3 Nov’47. BADGAM VILLAGE.
Lt.Col.
Comd 4 Kumaon Regt.
(M.M.KHANNA)
CITATION IN RESPECT OF IC-521 MAJOR SOMNATH SHARMA
On 03 Nov 1947, Major Somnath Sharma’s company was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam in the Kashmir Valley. He reached his objective at first light on 03 Nov and took up a position south of Badgam at 1100 hours. The enemy, estimated at 500, attacked his company position with three sides, the company began to sustain heavy casualties.
Fully realizing the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both the aerodrome and Srinagar if the enemy attack was not held until reinforcements could be rushed to close the gap leading to Srinagar via Humhama, Major Sharma urged his company to fight the enemy tenaciously. With extreme bravery, he kept rushing across the open ground to his sections exposing himself to heavy and accurate fire to urge them to hold on. Keeping his nerve, he skillfully directed the fire of his section into the ever-advancing enemy. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire and laid out cloth strips to guide our aircraft onto their target in full view of the enemy.
Realising that casualties had affected the effectiveness of his light automatics, this officer, whose left hand was in plaster, personally commenced filling magazines and issuing them to light machine gunners. A mortar shell landing right in the middle of the ammunition resulted in an explosion that killed him.
Major Sharma’s company held onto its position and the remnants withdrew only when almost completely surrounded. His inspiring example resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours. Thus, gaining time for our reinforcements to get into position at Humhama to stem the tide of the enemy advance. His leadership, gallantry and tenacious defence were such that his men were inspired to fight the enemy by seven to one for six hours, one hour which was after this gallant officer had been killed.
He has set an example of courage and qualities seldom equaled in the history of the Indian Army.
Summary in Bullet Points
- The 4 Kumaon battalion received the Battle Honour ‘Srinagar’.
- Major Somnath Sharma died at only 24 years of age.
- He became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
- The award was given after his death for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
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NCERT also reproduces his official citation on page 57 as a primary-source record of his gallantry.
conspicuous
= clearly noticeable
posthumously = after death
citation = the official written account explaining why an honour was awarded
gallantry = bravery in danger or battle
NCERT Poorvi page 61
View Answer
Answer: His story continues to inspire because he showed courage, loyalty to his men, refusal to abandon duty and willingness to sacrifice his life for a larger cause. His first Param Vir Chakra and his place on the National War Memorial keep that example visible to later generations.
Unki story inspire karti hai because courage sirf words nahi tha— duty, loyalty aur sacrifice real actions mein dikhte hain.
View Answer
Answer: The 4 Kumaon battalion received the Battle Honour “Srinagar”, and Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. He became its first recipient.
4 Kumaon ko Battle Honour Srinagar aur Major Sharma ko posthumous Param Vir Chakra mila.
View Answer
Answer: His courage was clearly visible throughout the battle: he stayed with his men despite injury, moved under fire, directed firing, helped with ammunition and refused to withdraw. His bravery was therefore not hidden or ordinary; it was exceptional and openly demonstrated.
Unki bravery battlefield ke har stage par visible thi—injury ke bawajood lead karna, fire ke beech move karna, withdraw na karna. Isliye conspicuous bravery fit hai.
