Himachal Pradesh pays rich tribute to Major Somnath Sharma, the valiant soldier of the 4th Kumaon Regiment who became India's first Param Vir Chakra recipient. His heroic stand at the Battle of Badgam in 1947 saved Srinagar airfield from Pakistani tribal invaders.
- Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration.
- He made the supreme sacrifice on November 3, 1947, during the Battle of Badgam, defending the Srinagar airfield.
- Himachal Pradesh and the entire nation continue to honor his legacy as an epitome of bravery and leadership.
The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, known as the land of gods and heroes, recently came together to pay profound tributes to Major Somnath Sharma. As the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India's highest wartime gallantry award, Major Sharma's legacy remains an eternal source of inspiration for the nation's armed forces and citizens alike.
Born in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Major Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a distinguished history of military service. On November 3, 1947, his valor was put to the ultimate test during the Battle of Badgam. A heavily outnumbered detachment under his command stood as the last line of defense against thousands of Pakistani tribal raiders invading Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite having his left hand in a plaster cast due to a hockey injury sustained earlier, Major Sharma insisted on leading his company, the D Company of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment. He knew that if the Srinagar airfield fell into enemy hands, India would lose the strategic advantage to reinforce troops in the valley, potentially altering the course of history.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the Battle of Badgam was a defining moment in post-independence Indian history. Major Sharma's strategic delay of the enemy's advance allowed the Indian Air Force to fly in reinforcements just in time, saving Srinagar and securing Jammu & Kashmir's integration with India.
Under intense mortar and light machine-gun fire, Major Sharma ran across open ground to distribute ammunition to his men and direct their fire. His final message to the brigade headquarters remains etched in military history: "The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round."
Major Somnath Sharma's tactical brilliance and refusal to retreat under overwhelming odds redefined Indian military valor at a critical juncture of nation-building.
Shortly after sending his final transmission, a mortar shell exploded near him, resulting in his martyrdom. However, his company's heroic stand had delayed the enemy for crucial hours, allowing Indian reinforcements to land safely. His unmatched bravery earned him the nation's first-ever Param Vir Chakra posthumously.
| Parameter | Indian Army (D Company, 4 Kumaon) | Pakistani Raiders (Lashkars) |
|---|---|---|
| Troop Strength | ~150 soldiers | ~500 to 700 tribal invaders |
| Key Objective | Defend Srinagar Airfield at all costs | Capture the airfield and occupy Srinagar |
| Outcome | Successfully delayed enemy; Airfield saved | Failed to capture airfield; retreated later |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Major Somnath Sharma famous?
He is famous for being India's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his extraordinary bravery in saving the Srinagar airfield during the 1947 Indo-Pak war.
2. When did the Battle of Badgam take place?
The Battle of Badgam took place on November 3, 1947, near Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
