Major Somnath Sharma Martyrdom Day: Key Facts, Battle of Badgam, Param Vir Chakra and Military Courage

Why in news?

3 November marks the martyrdom anniversary of Major Somnath Sharma, who sacrificed his life during the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947.

Key Facts

Who was Major Somnath Sharma?

• India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee, remembered for his extraordinary courage during the Battle of Badgam.
• Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh village of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
• His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, was also an Indian Army officer.
• He was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1942.
• He had previously served during the Second World War, including the Arakan operations.
• During the Kashmir operations of 1947, he insisted on accompanying his company despite having his left hand in plaster due to a hockey injury. 

Historical Background: India-Pakistan War (1947-48)

• Following India's independence and Partition, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir faced a military invasion by tribal forces backed by Pakistan.
• On 22 October 1947, the invasion began, threatening the Kashmir Valley and Srinagar.
• Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947.
• On 27 October 1947, Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar to defend the region.
• The Srinagar airfield became strategically important for the transportation of Indian troops and military supplies.

Battle of Badgam (3 November 1947)

• On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company of 4 Kumaon was ordered to conduct a fighting patrol towards Badgam in the Kashmir Valley.
• His company took up a position south of Badgam to prevent enemy forces from advancing towards Srinagar.
• An enemy force estimated at approximately 500 attacked his company from three sides.
• Despite heavy casualties and being significantly outnumbered, Major Sharma continued directing his troops and encouraging them to hold their positions.

Major Acts of Bravery

• Leadership: He repeatedly crossed exposed ground to encourage his soldiers and direct their fire.
• Personal Courage: Despite his left hand being in plaster, he continued commanding his company.
• Ammunition Management: He personally filled ammunition magazines and supplied them to light machine-gunners.
• Air Support Coordination: He placed cloth strips to guide Indian aircraft towards enemy targets.
• Supreme Sacrifice: A mortar shell exploded near ammunition, killing him during the battle.
• His company continued fighting for several hours after his death. Its resistance delayed the enemy by approximately six hours, allowing Indian reinforcements to reach positions at Humhama and strengthen the defence of Srinagar. 

Param Vir Chakra: India's Highest Wartime Gallantry Award

• The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration for exceptional bravery in the presence of the enemy.
• It recognises conspicuous courage, daring and supreme self-sacrifice during wartime operations.
• Major Somnath Sharma became its first recipient for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Badgam.
• The medal features four replicas of the Vajra of Indra.
• The central portion contains the State Emblem of India.
• Its design is inspired by the sacrifice of Sage Dadhichi, who gave up his body so that his bones could be used to create the Vajra.

Key Facts about Param Vir Chakra

National Recognition and Legacy

• Major Somnath Sharma is remembered as India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
• His name is commemorated at India's National War Memorial.
• The Indian Army continues to honour his contribution to the 1947–48 Kashmir operations.
• The Srinagar Airport war memorial, known as the Saviours of Kashmir War Memorial, has also been associated with tributes to him.

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