Historic Day: on November 3 first Param Vir Chakra awardee set an unparalleled example in the history of the Indian Army
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ November 3,2024
Major Somnath Sharma (1923-1947) was the first recipient of India’s highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), for his actions in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948
At the age of 24, he etched his name in the chronicles of heroism, becoming the first recipient of India’s prestigious Param Vir Chakra (PVC). Major Somnath Sharma, a man whose valor and sacrifice continue to resonate through the ages, inspiring generations to come.
On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma led his company in the defence of Srinagar airport, facing an attack by an estimated 500 enemy forces. Despite heavy casualties and being personally injured, Major Sharma displayed exceptional bravery. He urged his company to fight tenaciously, exposing himself to enemy fire to encourage his men. Realising the deteriorating situation, he skillfully directed the fire of his sections and even filled magazines for light machine gunners despite his injured hand. A mortar shell eventually claimed his life, but his leadership, gallantry, and tenacity inspired his men to fight the enemy for six hours after he was killed. His actions delayed the enemy, allowing reinforcements to get into position and stem the enemy advance.
On 21 June 1950, Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, marking the first time this honour was bestowed. Major Somnath Sharma’s leadership, gallantry, and tenacious defence set an unparalleled example in the history of the Indian Army. His last message before his demise reflects his unwavering spirit: “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 man and the last round”
Historic Day: on November 3 first Param Vir Chakra awardee set an unparalleled example in the history of the Indian Army . Born into a Dogra Brahmin family in Dadh, Kangra, which is now in Himachal Pradesh, on January 31, 1923. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, was also a military officer.
Somnath completed his schooling at Sherwood College, Nainital, and later joined the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in Dehradun before studying at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
Commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942. He served in Burma during World War II and was mentioned in despatches for his actions in the Arakan Campaign.
