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1. Courageous
He joins his company despite having his left hand in plaster and later continues moving through the battlefield under heavy fire.
2. Responsible Leader
He insists on staying with his men because he believes that if they are going into action, they should not go without him.
3. Sharp in Judgement
He correctly understands that the first enemy attack is only a distraction and that a larger attack is about to come from another side.
4. Resourceful
He requests air strikes and personally lays out ground panels so that the aircraft can identify their targets.
5. Leads by Example
He directs fire, fills magazines for his gunners and encourages the soldiers instead of only giving orders from a safer position.
6. Strong Sense of Duty
Even when D Company is heavily outnumbered and running low on ammunition, he refuses to withdraw and remains committed to holding the position.
Exam-Ready Character Sketch (5 marks)
- Major Somnath Sharma is presented as a courageous and deeply responsible military leader.
- He is courageous : despite his injured hand, he insists on going into action with D Company.
- He is sharp in judgement : he recognises that the first attack is a distraction and understands the larger threat.
- He leads by example : he moves through the battlefield, directs fire, fills magazines and encourages his men.
- He has a strong sense of duty : even when ammunition is running low, he refuses to abandon the position.
- Through Major Somnath Sharma, the chapter shows that true leadership combines courage, judgement, responsibility and self-sacrifice.
