New chapters on India's military legends to be taught in schools

In a move aimed at instilling patriotism and to honour the nation's military heroes, the defence ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), has added chapters on the lives and sacrifices of three prominent figures to the school curriculum -- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma.

The new additions, which are part of a broader effort to establish the National War Memorial as a significant landmark, are being introduced in various classes for the current academic year.

Students will now learn about the courage and leadership of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma.

Inspiring future generations

Chapters on these heroes have been integrated into the syllabus for different classes and languages:

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: A chapter on India's first Field Marshal has been included in the Class VIII (Urdu) curriculum. Manekshaw is celebrated for his exceptional strategic brilliance and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Brigadier Mohammad Usman: His story of supreme sacrifice, for which he was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, is now part of the Class VII (Urdu) syllabus.

Major Somnath Sharma: A chapter on Major Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (posthumously), has been added to the Class VIII (English) curriculum. His valor during the 1947-48 Indo-Pak War is a powerful symbol of duty and sacrifice.

Who was Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw?

Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw (1914–2008), widely known as "Sam Bahadur," was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. His illustrious career spanned four decades and five wars.

He is best known for his pivotal role as the Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in a decisive victory for India and the creation of Bangladesh. For his exceptional leadership and service to the nation, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan, India's second and third-highest civilian awards, respectively.

Who was Brigadier Mohammad Usman?

Brigadier Mohammad Usman (1912–1948) was a highly respected officer known as the "Lion of Nowshera" for his unwavering courage and leadership during the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistani War. Despite being a Muslim, he declined an offer to join the Pakistan Army during the Partition of India, choosing instead to serve his country, India.

As the commander of the 50th Parachute Brigade, he led the defense of Nowshera and later recaptured Jhangar, both strategically important locations in Jammu and Kashmir. He was the highest-ranking Indian Army officer to be killed in action during the war, martyred by an enemy shell while defending Jhangar. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India's second-highest military decoration for gallantry.

Who was Major Somnath Sharma?

Major Somnath Sharma (1923–1947) was a young and valiant officer from a family with a strong military background. He is etched in history as the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor for valour. The award was given posthumously for his exceptional bravery during the Battle of Badgam in the 1947-48 Indo-Pakistani War.

Despite a plaster cast on his fractured left hand, Major Sharma led his company to defend the Srinagar airfield against a large force of Pakistani raiders. He exposed himself to enemy fire to direct his men and personally filled magazines for the light machine guns.

His last message to his headquarters was, "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." He was killed by a mortar shell, but his actions bought crucial time for reinforcements to arrive and save the airport.