India’s War Heroes Enter NCERT Curriculum: Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma To Inspire Students

In a landmark step to inspire young minds, the central government has announced the addition of chapters on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma to the NCERT curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, these chapters will feature in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively.

The move seeks to offer students inspirational narratives of courage and duty from India’s modern military history.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Architect of 1971 Victory

Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, fondly called Sam Bahadur, was India’s first officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.

Renowned for his sharp wit, strategic brilliance, and leadership, he served in five major wars, including World War II, the 1947–48 war with Pakistan, the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, and the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan.

His most celebrated moment came during the 1971 war, where his military planning led to India’s decisive victory and the creation of Bangladesh.

Born in 1914, Manekshaw’s career remains a benchmark in military leadership. Vicky Kaushal portrayed his life in the 2023 biographical film Sam Bahadur.

Brigadier Mohammad Usman: The Lion of Naushera

Brigadier Mohammad Usman, known as the ‘Lion of Naushera’, was a symbol of bravery and patriotism. A senior officer in the Indian Army during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war, he led successful operations to reclaim Jhangar and Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir.

After Partition, Pakistan offered Brigadier Usman a senior position, but he chose to remain in India.

Enemy forces killed him in combat on 3 July 1948, and the government posthumously awarded him the Maha Vir Chakra. Leaders, including Lord Mountbatten and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, attended his state funeral.

Major Somnath Sharma: India’s First Param Vir Chakra Awardee

Major Somnath Sharma, just 25 at the time of his death, became the first recipient of India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.

On November 3, 1947, during the Battle of Badgam, he and his men fought fiercely against Pakistani infiltrators, securing the Kashmir Valley for India.

Before this, Major Sharma had served with distinction in Burma during World War II. His courage, despite being injured, became a lasting example of selfless sacrifice in service to the nation.

By introducing these stories into school curricula, the government aims to instil values of bravery, patriotism, and service among the next generation.

These chapters will ensure that the legacy of India’s war heroes continues to inspire, reminding students of the sacrifices that shaped the nation’s history.

Also Read: If Rahul Gandhi Cannot Substantiate His Claims Under Oath, He Must Apologise To The Nation, Says Election Commission