The legacy of Indian Army heroes is as vast as the country itself. Their stories of immense courage often remain unheard. But among such heroes, are some heroes that shine brightly in the history of Indian Defense Forces. Their courage in the battlefield have transcended heroism and this is why they are remembered every time when we embrace our Independence.
On 3rd November , the entire nation mourned on 69th death anniversary of Somnath Sharma, as the Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar visited Kashmir to pay homage to this unbelievably courageous soldier.
Major Somnath Sharma is one of those bright stars whose brave actions on the battlefield have made him the first recipient of the highest gallantry award of India, the Param Vir Chakra.
Major Somnath Sharma
Born on 31 January 1923 at Dadh in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Major Somnath was the son of Amar Nath Sharma, who was a Major General in the Indian Army, later he became the first director general of India’s Armed Medical Services.
Major Somnath Sharma
Bravery ran in the family as all his uncles and his father had served the Indian army for a substantial amount of time. Since a young age, Major Somnath had been determined to join the Indian Army. Hence, after completing his schooling from Sherwood College in Nainital, he enrolled at the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in Dehradun before joining the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. On February 22 1942, Somnath Sharma was formally commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment (later 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment) of the Indian Army (then British Indian Army).
Major Somnath Sharma
Major Somnath was serving as a Major in Delta Company of 4th Kumaon regiment when the Pakistani invasion of Jammu and Kashmir began on October 22, 1947. Major Sharma's right hand was in a plaster during the time which is why he was advised to rest but he was adamant to be on a battlefield.
Major Somnath Sharma
Major Somnath Sharma was completely aware of the importance of holding onto his position. Since, the Srinagar airfield was the only lifeline the Army had between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, hence had the enemy seized the airfield, they would have been able to block the induction of Indian troops into the Valley by air.
Thus, realizing the gravity of the situation, he ran from post to post, often exposing himself to danger as he urged his company to fight bravely. Two forward platoons had already fallen but Major Sharma ensured that his company clung to its position tenaciously, even under heavy fire.
The last message that he sent to the base camp was one of the bravest messages, "The enemy are 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."
Soon after sending this message Major Somnath Sharma was martyred in a shell explosion only to be remembered year after year for his contribution to Indian sovereignity.
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