'A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam' — Practice

Question 1

Who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

Accepted Answer

✦ Answer: Major Somnath Sharma (posthumously, for his bravery on 3 November 1947 in the Battle of Badgam, defending Srinagar airfield in Kashmir).

Question 2

Describe the situation Major Sharma faced at Badgam.

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — The mission.
  Major Sharma's company (about 100 soldiers, D Company of 4 Kumaon Regiment) was sent to patrol Badgam village near Srinagar airfield.

Step 2 — The attack.
  On 3 November 1947, early morning, 700+ Pakistan-backed tribal raiders attacked the company. Enemy outnumbered Sharma's men 7:1.

Step 3 — Sharma's physical condition.
  Sharma had a broken arm in plaster (from a hockey injury). He could have stayed back, but chose to lead his men.

Step 4 — Tactical situation.
  Heavy mortar and gun fire on Indian positions. Enemy advanced rapidly. Sharma was in danger of being overrun.

Step 5 — Sharma's response.
  He personally led the defence. Loaded Bren gun magazines with his good hand. Sent crucial radio message: 'The enemy are only 50 yards from us... I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.'

Step 6 — His death.
  A mortar shell exploded near him. He was killed instantly while operating a gun.

Step 7 — Strategic outcome.
  His company held Badgam for 4 critical hours, delaying enemy advance. This delay allowed Indian reinforcements to save Srinagar airfield — and Kashmir.

✦ Answer: At Badgam, Major Sharma faced a 7:1 numerical disadvantage (100 vs 700+ enemies) with a broken arm in plaster. Heavy enemy fire. Yet he refused to withdraw, personally led defence, loaded weapons with his good hand. His radio message: 'I shall not withdraw an inch.' He died fighting but his sacrifice delayed enemy advance for 4 hours — saving Srinagar airfield and thereby Kashmir.

Question 3

Why is Major Somnath Sharma's story important for students to know today?

Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Reminder of freedom's cost.
  India's freedom (1947) and territorial integrity were paid for in BLOOD. Sharma is one of countless soldiers whose sacrifice we benefit from. Students often take freedom for granted; this story reminds us of the cost.

Step 2 — Strategic importance of Kashmir.
  If Srinagar airfield had fallen on 3 November 1947, Kashmir would likely have been lost. Indian reinforcements couldn't have arrived. Sharma's sacrifice may have saved Kashmir for India.

Step 3 — Family service tradition.
  Sharma family produced FIVE military officers across generations — father (Major General), Somnath (Major, PVC), brother Vishwa Nath (Chief of Army Staff), brother Surinder (Lt Gen), sister Kamla (Major, Medical Corps). Shows that service can be a multi-generational commitment.

Step 4 — Values modelled.
  • COURAGE — fighting against impossible odds
  • DUTY — refusing to be sidelined despite injury
  • LEADERSHIP — inspiring his men in their darkest hour
  • SACRIFICE — giving life for nation
  • PATRIOTISM — believing nation worth dying for
  These are timeless values relevant to ALL careers, not just military.

Step 5 — Continued relevance.
  India's borders are still contested (Kashmir, China LAC). Indian armed forces still defend them. Sharma's spirit lives in every soldier serving today.

Step 6 — Param Vir Chakra heritage.
  Only 21 PVCs awarded since 1947. Each is a story of extraordinary courage. Most students don't know these stories. This chapter introduces them to the highest tradition of Indian valour.

Step 7 — Lesson for non-military students.
  Sharma's courage applies to ANY field: doctors, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs. When facing impossible odds, will you fight or withdraw? Sharma chose to fight. The lesson is universal.

Step 8 — Civic gratitude.
  As citizens, we owe gratitude to those who defend us. Salute the flag. Honor the army. Visit war memorials. Speak respectfully of armed forces.

Step 9 — Inspiration for service.
  Many young Indians joining armed forces (NDA, IMA) are inspired by such stories. Sharma's example creates the next generation of defenders.

Step 10 — National identity.
  Stories like Sharma's bind Indians across regions, religions, languages. Pride in shared military heritage strengthens national identity.

✦ Answer: Major Sharma's story matters because it (1) reminds us freedom and territorial integrity cost lives, (2) shows strategic importance of his sacrifice (saved Kashmir), (3) models timeless values of courage, duty, leadership, (4) honours India's tradition of military service, (5) inspires students for any field (the courage to face impossible odds applies universally), (6) builds civic gratitude. Sharma's words 'I shall not withdraw an inch' should echo in every Indian's memory.

Practice — 'A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam'

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