Somnath Sharma - Revision history

Chief Editor at 07:04, 13 January 2026

2026-01-13T07:04:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:04, 13 January 2026
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	{{Heading1\|title=मेजर ~~श्री~~ सोमनाथ शर्मा, पीवीसी (बलिदानोपरांत)}}'''Bharat’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee \| Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)'''{{Template1\|name=Major ~~Shri~~ Somnath Sharma\|title1=PVC (Posth.)\|image=Maj Somnath.png\|title2=Himachal Pradesh, Bharatvarsh\|Service No=IC-521\|Date of Birth=31 January 1923\|Place of birth=Dadh, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh\|Service=Indian Army\|Last Rank=Major\|Unit=4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment\|Martyrdom=3 November 1947 (aged 24) {{!}} Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat\|image2=Indian Army.png}}		{{Heading1\|title=मेजर सोमनाथ शर्मा, पीवीसी (बलिदानोपरांत)}}'''Bharat’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee \| Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)'''{{Template1\|name=Major Somnath Sharma\|title1=PVC (Posth.)\|image=Maj Somnath.png\|title2=Himachal Pradesh, Bharatvarsh\|Service No=IC-521\|Date of Birth=31 January 1923\|Place of birth=Dadh, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh\|Service=Indian Army\|Last Rank=Major\|Unit=4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment\|Martyrdom=3 November 1947 (aged 24) {{!}} Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat\|image2=Indian Army.png}}

	[[File:Param Vir Chakra.png\|left\|frameless\|233x233px]]		[[File:Param Vir Chakra.png\|left\|frameless\|233x233px]]
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	[[Category:Indian Army]]		[[Category:Indian Army]]
	[[Category:Param Vir Chakra]]		[[Category:Param Vir Chakra]]
			[[Category:Kumaon Regiment]]
			[[Category:Himachal Pradesh]]
			[[Category:Gallantry Award]]
			[[Category:War of 1947-48]]
			[[Category:Battle of Badgam]]

Chief Editor at 17:46, 27 December 2025

2025-12-27T17:46:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:46, 27 December 2025
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	=== Early Life and Family Legacy ===		=== Early Life and Family Legacy ===
			[[File:Somnath Sharma 2003 stamp of India.jpg\|left\|thumb\|Major Somnath Sharma on a 2003 stamp of Bharat]]
	Born on '''31 January 1923''' at '''Dadh, Kangra (present-day Himachal Pradesh)''', Somnath Sharma was raised in a family with a profound tradition of military service. His father, '''Major General Amar Nath Sharma''', served with distinction in the Indian Army Medical Services. His siblings included senior generals and an army doctor, reflecting a lineage dedicated to national service. An uncle’s gallantry and martyrdom during World War II deeply influenced his own sense of honour and sacrifice.		Born on '''31 January 1923''' at '''Dadh, Kangra (present-day Himachal Pradesh)''', Somnath Sharma was raised in a family with a profound tradition of military service. His father, '''Major General Amar Nath Sharma''', served with distinction in the Indian Army Medical Services. His siblings included senior generals and an army doctor, reflecting a lineage dedicated to national service. An uncle’s gallantry and martyrdom during World War II deeply influenced his own sense of honour and sacrifice.

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	एक मोर्टार गोला गोला-बारूद के बीच आ गिरा और विस्फोट में वे वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए।		एक मोर्टार गोला गोला-बारूद के बीच आ गिरा और विस्फोट में वे वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए।
	[[File:Maj Somnath07.jpg\|center\|~~frameless~~\|~~950x950px~~]]		[[File:Maj Somnath07.jpg\|center\|950x950px\|thumb\|Sharma's statue at ''Param Yodha Sthal'', National War Memorial, New Delhi]]


			[[File:2560px-National War Memorial India, Circle of Sacrifice, Somnath Sharma.jpg\|thumb\|350x350px\|Major Somnath Sharma's name on the Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice), National War Memorial, India.]]
	उनके '''अंतिम शब्द''' आज भी भारतीय सैन्य इतिहास का अमर वाक्य हैं:<blockquote>''“दुश्मन हमसे केवल 50 गज दूर है। हम भारी संख्या में घिरे हैं और भीषण गोलाबारी हो रही है। मैं एक इंच भी पीछे नहीं हटूँगा—आख़िरी आदमी और आख़िरी गोली तक लड़ूँगा।”''</blockquote>		उनके '''अंतिम शब्द''' आज भी भारतीय सैन्य इतिहास का अमर वाक्य हैं:<blockquote>''“दुश्मन हमसे केवल 50 गज दूर है। हम भारी संख्या में घिरे हैं और भीषण गोलाबारी हो रही है। मैं एक इंच भी पीछे नहीं हटूँगा—आख़िरी आदमी और आख़िरी गोली तक लड़ूँगा।”''</blockquote>

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	'''राष्ट्रीय युद्ध स्मारक और राष्ट्रीय स्मृति में उनका नाम सदा अमर रहेगा।'''		'''राष्ट्रीय युद्ध स्मारक और राष्ट्रीय स्मृति में उनका नाम सदा अमर रहेगा।'''
			[[File:On turning 100, Lt Gen Surindra Nath Sharma (Retd) salutes his brother late Major Somnath Sharma, PVC.jpg\|center\|thumb\|On turning 100, Lt Gen Surindra Nath Sharma (Retd) salutes his brother late Major Somnath Sharma, PVC.]]
	[[File:Maj Somnath06.webp\|center\|thumb\|939x939px\|Major Somnath Sharma's PVC Citation ]]		[[File:Maj Somnath06.webp\|center\|thumb\|939x939px\|Major Somnath Sharma's PVC Citation ]]
	[[Category:Indian Army]]		[[Category:Indian Army]]
	[[Category:Param Vir Chakra]]		[[Category:Param Vir Chakra]]

Chief Editor at 17:42, 27 December 2025

2025-12-27T17:42:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:42, 27 December 2025
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	एक मोर्टार गोला गोला-बारूद के बीच आ गिरा और विस्फोट में वे वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए।		एक मोर्टार गोला गोला-बारूद के बीच आ गिरा और विस्फोट में वे वीरगति को प्राप्त हुए।
			[[File:Maj Somnath07.jpg\|center\|frameless\|950x950px]]


	उनके '''अंतिम शब्द''' आज भी भारतीय सैन्य इतिहास का अमर वाक्य हैं:<blockquote>''“दुश्मन हमसे केवल 50 गज दूर है। हम भारी संख्या में घिरे हैं और भीषण गोलाबारी हो रही है। मैं एक इंच भी पीछे नहीं हटूँगा—आख़िरी आदमी और आख़िरी गोली तक लड़ूँगा।”''</blockquote>		उनके '''अंतिम शब्द''' आज भी भारतीय सैन्य इतिहास का अमर वाक्य हैं:<blockquote>''“दुश्मन हमसे केवल 50 गज दूर है। हम भारी संख्या में घिरे हैं और भीषण गोलाबारी हो रही है। मैं एक इंच भी पीछे नहीं हटूँगा—आख़िरी आदमी और आख़िरी गोली तक लड़ूँगा।”''</blockquote>

Chief Editor at 17:38, 27 December 2025

2025-12-27T17:38:45Z

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 '''His last message''', transmitted under fire, epitomized his resolve:
 ''“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.”''
 === Impact and Outcome ===
 Inspired by his example, the company held on for '''six crucial hours''', inflicting heavy losses and '''delaying the enemy’s advance''', thereby enabling reinforcements to secure approaches to Srinagar. Though D Company suffered grievous casualties, the action decisively '''bought time''' and altered the operational situation in India’s favour. Military historians regard this stand as pivotal in preventing the fall of Srinagar.
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 === Service Details (At a Glance) ===
-* '''Service Number:''' IC-521
+* [[File:Maj Somnath04.webp|thumb|Indian troops landing at the Srinagar airport on October 27, 1947]]'''Service Number:''' IC-521
 * '''Rank:''' Major
 * '''Unit:''' 4 Kumaon
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 On '''nationalwarmemorial.org''', Major Somnath Sharma’s profile stands as a '''permanent digital memorial'''—a testament to India’s first Param Vir Chakra hero, whose sacrifice secured the nation’s frontier at a defining hour and whose example continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.

Chief Editor at 17:27, 27 December 2025

2025-12-27T17:27:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 27 December 2025
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	{{Heading1\|title=मेजर श्री सोमनाथ शर्मा, पीवीसी (बलिदानोपरांत)}}{{Template1\|name=Major Shri Somnath Sharma\|title1=PVC (Posth.)\|image=Maj Somnath.png\|title2=Himachal Pradesh, Bharatvarsh\|Service No=IC-521\|Date of Birth=31 January 1923\|Place of birth=Dadh, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh\|Service=Indian Army\|Last Rank=Major\|Unit=4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment\|Martyrdom=3 November 1947 (aged 24) {{!}} Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat\|image2=Indian Army.png}}		{{Heading1\|title=मेजर श्री सोमनाथ शर्मा, पीवीसी (बलिदानोपरांत)}}'''Bharat’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee \| Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)'''{{Template1\|name=Major Shri Somnath Sharma\|title1=PVC (Posth.)\|image=Maj Somnath.png\|title2=Himachal Pradesh, Bharatvarsh\|Service No=IC-521\|Date of Birth=31 January 1923\|Place of birth=Dadh, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh\|Service=Indian Army\|Last Rank=Major\|Unit=4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment\|Martyrdom=3 November 1947 (aged 24) {{!}} Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat\|image2=Indian Army.png}}

	~~= Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) =~~
	~~'''India’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee \| Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)'''~~

			[[File:Param Vir Chakra.png\|left\|frameless\|233x233px]]
	Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), stands immortal in the annals of Indian military history as the '''first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra''', the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice during the '''Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947''', in the first Indo-Pak War, decisively delayed enemy forces and safeguarded Srinagar at a moment when the future of Jammu & Kashmir hung in the balance. His leadership under fire, indomitable courage, and devotion to duty embody the highest traditions of the Indian Army.		Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), stands immortal in the annals of Indian military history as the '''first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra''', the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice during the '''Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947''', in the first Indo-Pak War, decisively delayed enemy forces and safeguarded Srinagar at a moment when the future of Jammu & Kashmir hung in the balance. His leadership under fire, indomitable courage, and devotion to duty embody the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Chief Editor at 17:26, 27 December 2025

2025-12-27T17:26:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:26, 27 December 2025
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			{{Heading1\|title=मेजर श्री सोमनाथ शर्मा, पीवीसी (बलिदानोपरांत)}}{{Template1\|name=Major Shri Somnath Sharma\|title1=PVC (Posth.)\|image=Maj Somnath.png\|title2=Himachal Pradesh, Bharatvarsh\|Service No=IC-521\|Date of Birth=31 January 1923\|Place of birth=Dadh, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh\|Service=Indian Army\|Last Rank=Major\|Unit=4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment\|Martyrdom=3 November 1947 (aged 24) {{!}} Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Bharat\|image2=Indian Army.png}}

	= Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) =		= Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) =

Chief Editor: Created page with " = Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) = '''India’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee | Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)''' Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), stands immortal in the annals of Indian military history as the '''first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra''', the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice during the '''Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947''', in the first Indo-Pak War, decisively delayed enemy forces and safegua..."

2025-12-27T17:13:10Z

Created page with " = Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) = '''India’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee | Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)''' Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), stands immortal in the annals of Indian military history as the '''first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra''', the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice during the '''Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947''', in the first Indo-Pak War, decisively delayed enemy forces and safegua..."

New page

= Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) =
'''India’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee | Hero of the Battle of Badgam (1947)'''

Major Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), stands immortal in the annals of Indian military history as the '''first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra''', the nation’s highest wartime gallantry award. His supreme sacrifice during the '''Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947''', in the first Indo-Pak War, decisively delayed enemy forces and safeguarded Srinagar at a moment when the future of Jammu & Kashmir hung in the balance. His leadership under fire, indomitable courage, and devotion to duty embody the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

=== Early Life and Family Legacy ===
Born on '''31 January 1923''' at '''Dadh, Kangra (present-day Himachal Pradesh)''', Somnath Sharma was raised in a family with a profound tradition of military service. His father, '''Major General Amar Nath Sharma''', served with distinction in the Indian Army Medical Services. His siblings included senior generals and an army doctor, reflecting a lineage dedicated to national service. An uncle’s gallantry and martyrdom during World War II deeply influenced his own sense of honour and sacrifice.

=== Education and Commission ===
Educated at '''Sherwood College, Nainital''', he progressed to the '''Prince of Wales Royal Military College, Dehradun''', and later the '''Royal Military College, Sandhurst'''. On '''22 February 1942''', he was commissioned into the '''8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment''' (later '''4 Kumaon'''). Early operational exposure in the '''Arakan operations (Burma)''' during World War II earned him a '''Mention-in-Despatches''' for meritorious service under fire.

=== The 1947–48 Indo-Pak War and the Battle of Badgam ===
In late October 1947, as raiders advanced toward Srinagar, '''Major Sharma’s company (D Company, 4 Kumaon)''' was airlifted to the Kashmir Valley. Despite a fractured arm in plaster, he insisted on leading his men. On '''3 November 1947''', at '''Badgam''', his company of about '''50 soldiers''' confronted an estimated '''500 raiders''', supported by mortars, attacking from three sides.

Recognizing the existential threat to the '''Srinagar airfield and city''', Major Sharma organized a resolute defence, repeatedly exposing himself to intense fire to encourage his sections, direct accurate fire, and even '''manually fill magazines''' when casualties reduced combat effectiveness. He laid out cloth strips to guide friendly aircraft under enemy observation. A mortar shell exploding amidst ammunition ultimately claimed his life.

'''His last message''', transmitted under fire, epitomized his resolve:

''“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.”''

=== Impact and Outcome ===
Inspired by his example, the company held on for '''six crucial hours''', inflicting heavy losses and '''delaying the enemy’s advance''', thereby enabling reinforcements to secure approaches to Srinagar. Though D Company suffered grievous casualties, the action decisively '''bought time''' and altered the operational situation in India’s favour. Military historians regard this stand as pivotal in preventing the fall of Srinagar.

=== Param Vir Chakra Citation ===
For his '''leadership, gallantry, and tenacious defence in the face of overwhelming odds''', Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the '''Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous)'''—becoming '''India’s first awardee''' of the decoration. His conduct set a benchmark “seldom equalled in the history of the Indian Army.”

=== Honours, Memorials, and Legacy ===
Major Somnath Sharma’s memory is preserved across the nation:

* '''Bust statue''' at the '''National War Memorial, New Delhi'''
* '''Major Somnath Sharma Memorial''' at '''Srinagar Airport'''
* '''Somnath Sharma Army Ground''', Ranikhet
* Roads, parks, and housing estates named in his honour
* Commemorative '''postal stamp and first-day cover'''

Beyond monuments, his legacy endures in doctrine, training, and the ethos of the Indian Army—'''lead from the front, hold ground against all odds, and place duty above life'''.

=== Service Details (At a Glance) ===

* '''Service Number:''' IC-521
* '''Rank:''' Major
* '''Unit:''' 4 Kumaon
* '''Commissioned:''' 22 February 1942
* '''Conflict:''' Indo-Pak War, 1947–48
* '''Date of Action:''' 3 November 1947
* '''Decoration:''' Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous)

On '''nationalwarmemorial.org''', Major Somnath Sharma’s profile stands as a '''permanent digital memorial'''—a testament to India’s first Param Vir Chakra hero, whose sacrifice secured the nation’s frontier at a defining hour and whose example continues to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.