Remembering Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose courage and sacrifice at Badgam in 1947 became a lasting symbol of military bravery.
Major Somnath Sharma: The First Param Vir Chakra Awardee Who Fought Till His Last Breath
“I shall not withdraw an inch. I shall fight to the last man and the last round.”
Some words become more than words. They become a part of a nation's memory. The final message of Major Somnath Sharma, India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, is one such example.
His story is not simply the story of a battle. It is the story of a young soldier who placed duty above his own safety and stood firm when the defence of Srinagar depended on every hour he could buy.
Born into a Military Family
Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. His father, Major General A. N. Sharma, served in the Indian Army.
Coming from a military family, Somnath Sharma grew up with a strong sense of discipline, responsibility and service to the nation.
He was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment on 22 February 1942. During the Second World War, he also served in the Arakan Operations, gaining valuable experience as a soldier and leader.
A Plastered Hand Could Not Keep Him Away
In October 1947, Pakistan-backed tribal forces attacked Jammu and Kashmir. The security of Srinagar and its airfield became critically important.
On 31 October 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's 'D' Company of 4 Kumaon was airlifted to Srinagar under his command.
There was one problem: Major Sharma's hand was in plaster.
He had injured himself while playing hockey and had been advised to rest until the plaster was removed. But with the country facing a grave situation, he insisted on going with his company.
For him, the call of duty was greater than his personal injury.
The Battle of Badgam
On 3 November 1947, Indian troops were sent towards the Badgam area to look for approaching enemy forces. Major Sharma's company was ordered to remain there for some time.
The situation changed dramatically in the afternoon.
A large force of tribal attackers, estimated at around 700 men, launched an attack on the company using small arms, mortars and automatic weapons.
Major Sharma understood the seriousness of the situation. If the attackers were allowed to advance, Srinagar and its airfield could come under serious threat.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, his company held its position.
With his left hand still in plaster, Major Sharma continued to encourage his men and even helped supply ammunition magazines to the light machine-gun crews.
For nearly six hours, the soldiers of 'D' Company resisted the attack and prevented the enemy from advancing.
A Supreme Sacrifice at a Young Age
During the intense fighting, a mortar shell struck near Major Sharma's position and hit a pile of ammunition. The resulting explosion claimed his life.
He was not yet 25 years old.
Major Sharma, along with a JCO and 20 other soldiers of 'D' Company, made the supreme sacrifice at Badgam.
Their resistance, however, bought crucial time for the defence of Srinagar and its airfield.
India's First Param Vir Chakra Awardee
For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty, Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
He became the first Indian to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
His family also continued its association with the Indian Army. His brother, General B. N. Sharma, served as Chief of the Army Staff from 1988 to 1990.
A Legacy That Lives On
Major Somnath Sharma's story continues to remind India that courage is not the absence of fear or difficulty. It is the decision to stand firm when the nation needs you most.
He went into battle with an injured hand, stood beside his men and remained at his post until his final moments.
His sacrifice is remembered not merely as a chapter of the 1947 Kashmir conflict, but as a lasting example of leadership, courage, duty and devotion to the nation.
For Shaurya Naman Foundation, remembering such heroes is also a reminder of our responsibility towards the families who carry their legacy forward.
Salute to Major Somnath Sharma, PVC — India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
Jai Bharat. 🇮🇳
References: Parakram Gatha, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India; Vijay Sohni; Pen Today.
#MajorSomnathSharma #ParamVirChakra #IndianArmy #Badgam #IndianArmyHeroes #MilitaryHistory #HeroesOfIndia #ShauryaNaman #JaiHind #JaiBharat
“I shall not withdraw an inch. I shall fight to the last man and the last round.”
Some words become more than words. They become a part of a nation's memory. The final message of Major Somnath Sharma, India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, is one such example.
His story is not simply the story of a battle. It is the story of a young soldier who placed duty above his own safety and stood firm when the defence of Srinagar depended on every hour he could buy.
Born into a Military Family
Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. His father, Major General A. N. Sharma, served in the Indian Army.
Coming from a military family, Somnath Sharma grew up with a strong sense of discipline, responsibility and service to the nation.
He was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment on 22 February 1942. During the Second World War, he also served in the Arakan Operations, gaining valuable experience as a soldier and leader.
A Plastered Hand Could Not Keep Him Away
In October 1947, Pakistan-backed tribal forces attacked Jammu and Kashmir. The security of Srinagar and its airfield became critically important.
On 31 October 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's 'D' Company of 4 Kumaon was airlifted to Srinagar under his command.
There was one problem: Major Sharma's hand was in plaster.
He had injured himself while playing hockey and had been advised to rest until the plaster was removed. But with the country facing a grave situation, he insisted on going with his company.
For him, the call of duty was greater than his personal injury.
The Battle of Badgam
On 3 November 1947, Indian troops were sent towards the Badgam area to look for approaching enemy forces. Major Sharma's company was ordered to remain there for some time.
The situation changed dramatically in the afternoon.
A large force of tribal attackers, estimated at around 700 men, launched an attack on the company using small arms, mortars and automatic weapons.
Major Sharma understood the seriousness of the situation. If the attackers were allowed to advance, Srinagar and its airfield could come under serious threat.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, his company held its position.
With his left hand still in plaster, Major Sharma continued to encourage his men and even helped supply ammunition magazines to the light machine-gun crews.
For nearly six hours, the soldiers of 'D' Company resisted the attack and prevented the enemy from advancing.
A Supreme Sacrifice at a Young Age
During the intense fighting, a mortar shell struck near Major Sharma's position and hit a pile of ammunition. The resulting explosion claimed his life.
He was not yet 25 years old.
Major Sharma, along with a JCO and 20 other soldiers of 'D' Company, made the supreme sacrifice at Badgam.
Their resistance, however, bought crucial time for the defence of Srinagar and its airfield.
India's First Param Vir Chakra Awardee
For his exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to duty, Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
He became the first Indian to receive the Param Vir Chakra.
His family also continued its association with the Indian Army. His brother, General B. N. Sharma, served as Chief of the Army Staff from 1988 to 1990.
A Legacy That Lives On
Major Somnath Sharma's story continues to remind India that courage is not the absence of fear or difficulty. It is the decision to stand firm when the nation needs you most.
He went into battle with an injured hand, stood beside his men and remained at his post until his final moments.
His sacrifice is remembered not merely as a chapter of the 1947 Kashmir conflict, but as a lasting example of leadership, courage, duty and devotion to the nation.
For Shaurya Naman Foundation, remembering such heroes is also a reminder of our responsibility towards the families who carry their legacy forward.
Salute to Major Somnath Sharma, PVC — India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
Jai Bharat. 🇮🇳
References: Parakram Gatha, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India; Vijay Sohni; Pen Today.
#MajorSomnathSharma #ParamVirChakra #IndianArmy #Badgam #IndianArmyHeroes #MilitaryHistory #HeroesOfIndia #ShauryaNaman #JaiHind #JaiBharat
