A TALE OF VALOUR: MAJOR SOMNATH SHARMA and THE BATTLE
OF BADGAM
1. ‘Major Somnath’s legacy of courage and devotion to the nation remains
forever alive, forever alive…’ What is the significance of the repetition in
this line?
The repetition "forever alive, forever alive…" highlights the eternal nature of Major
Somnath’s legacy. It shows that Major Somnath’s courage and love for the nation will
always be remembered. It will live in the hearts and minds of the nation across
generations. This repetition also adds an emotional impact and reminds us that true
heroes never really die.
2. Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the
Battle of Badgam?
I believe Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam
because, despite having an injured arm, he joined his men on the battlefield and led
from the front. He fearlessly laid out ground panels to guide the aircrafts towards their
target. Even though they were outnumbered, he continued encouraging and
motivating his men to fight with strong determination and bravery and to hold on to
their ground. He moved fearlessly through the battlefield and redirected the firearms
and filled the magazine of their gunners when they sustained heavy casualties. When
he was ordered to retreat, he chose to stand his ground and fight till the last men
alive. His bravery delayed the enemy for six crucial hours, that was enough for the
reinforcements to arrive and prevent the fall of Srinagar. His courage and leadership
turned the tide of the battle.
3. What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his
sense of duty?
Major Somnath Sharma’s last words were:
“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 the last man and the last
round.”
These words reflect his strong sense of duty, bravery, and patriotism. Even in the face
of certain death, he chose to stand to his ground and protect his country. His words
show his selflessness, leadership, and deep commitment to his mission, fellow soldiers
and to the country.
4. What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major
Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
If Major Sharma and his company had not held their ground during the Battle of
Badgam, the tribal militants might have captured the Srinagar Airport. This would
have changed the course of the war. Without his sacrifice, India might have lost
strategic territory and faced a major setback in defending Kashmir.
This might have stopped the arrival of Indian Army reinforcements in the Kashmir
Valley. As a result, the enemy might have engineered a revolt, overthrown the local
government, and taken control of the territory.
5. Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and
civilians today?
I think that Major Somnath’s story of valour continues to inspire and civilians till today
because he selflessly went on to fight in the battle of Badgam even though he was
injured in his left arm. He courageously led his soldiers into the battle and continued
to motivate them. Despite being injured and heavily outnumbered, he chose to fight
bravely and laid down his life to protect his country. His story is a shining example of
courage, patriotism, and selfless duty.
6. How can the values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma— courage,
duty, and self-sacrifice—be applied in our daily lives?
The values of courage, duty and self-sacrifice demonstrated by Major Somnath
Sharma in the battlefield can be applied to our daily lives. In our life, we should be
prepared and have the courage face any kind of obstacles and hardships that life
presents in front of us without giving up.
We should perform our duties honestly and sincerely whether as students,
professionals, or citizens and should always give our best. We can show self-sacrifice
through small acts, like putting others’ needs before our own, helping someone in
need, or working for the greater good of our community and country. T
