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.