A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam

1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
The Republic Day Parade is a grand and proud event. It shows the strength, unity and rich culture of India.

2. What are the highlights of this parade?
The march past of the Army, Navy and Air Force is the main attraction. Colourful tableaux of different states, folk dances by children and the fly-past by fighter jets are other highlights.

3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given to soldiers and others for great courage. Brave children receive the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
A soldier should be brave, disciplined, loyal and physically fit. He or she should also be ready to sacrifice for the nation.

2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
“Thank you for guarding our borders day and night. We sleep peacefully because of you. We are proud of you.”

(i) What can be inferred about the conditions from the line: ‘The air was thick with gunfire…’?
B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.

(ii) Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ______.
he was devoted to his duty. He knew that his men needed his courage to hold on and protect Srinagar.

(iii) Select the correct option for Assertion (A) and Reason (R).
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(iv) … encouraging his men to hold their ground despite ______.
injuries

(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?
C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.

(ii) Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family. (True/False)
False

The extract says his family had a rich military legacy, not wealth.

(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma?
He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence.

(iv) Replace the underlined phrase ‘visually charming’ with a word from the extract.
picturesque

1. What is the significance of the repetition ‘forever alive, forever alive…’?
The repetition stresses that his courage will never be forgotten. His memory will keep inspiring people for all time.

2. Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam?
His 90 men faced about 500 invaders. He stayed calm and called for air strikes. He moved fearlessly, filled magazines and encouraged his men. Without his leadership, the small company could not have held on for so long.

3. What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty?
His last message was: “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 round.”

These words show his supreme sense of duty. He placed the nation above his own life.

4. What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
The invaders might have captured the Srinagar airport. Then Indian troops could not have been flown in. Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley might have fallen into enemy hands.

5. Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today?
He went into battle even with his hand in plaster. He fought bravely against heavy odds and gave his life for the nation. Such courage and sacrifice inspire everyone.

6. How can the values of courage, duty, and self-sacrifice be applied in our daily lives?
We can show courage by standing up for what is right. We can do our duty by working honestly and following rules. We can show self-sacrifice by helping others and putting their needs before our comfort.