On 31^st January, India observes the 99^th birth anniversary of Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of India’s highest bravery award ‘Param Vir Chakra’. Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.

The PVC award has been awarded 21 times, of which 14 were awarded posthumously and 16 arose from actions in Indo-Pakistani conflicts. Of these 21, 20 have gone to the Indian army and one has gone to the Indian Air Force. Post-independence, the British honours, and awards system came to an end and on January 26, 1950, the PVC was established by Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India with effect from 15 August 1947. Major General Amarnath Sharma received India’s first Param Vir Chakra on behalf of his son.

About Major Sharma

Major Sharma was born on 31^st January 1923 in Dadh village of Himachal Pradesh in a military family. His father, Major General (retired) Amarnath Sharma was the head of the Army Medical Corps. Major Sharma went to Sherwood College in Nainital for his education. He also joined the Prince of Wales Royal Military College in Dehradun. The young soldier was martyred in November 1947 while leading his soldiers on battle petrol in the Budgam area in Kashmir. He showed exemplary bravery and continued to fight the enemy. He sacrificed his life at the very young age of 24 years.

His Military Career

He started his career in the 8^th battalion of the 19 Hyderabad Regiment as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the British Indian Army. He took part in the second world war against the Japanese in Burma during the Arakan campaign. His outstanding bravery and warfare skills brought him to the nomination for the gallantry award in the time of British rule in India.  After independence, he was moved to the 4^th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment in the Indian Army.

His Exemplary bravery

Major Sharma reached the battle point on 3^rd November and took up a position south of Badgam. The enemy attacked his company from three sides. He urged his company to fight the enemy and with extreme bravery, he kept rushing across the open ground exposing himself to heavy and accurate fire to urge them to hold on. He repeatedly exposed himself to the full fury of enemy fire. His brave actions made the enemy delayed for six hours. He has set an example of courage in the history of the Indian Army. Major Sharma, along with 1 JCO and 20 other Rank soldiers were martyred. His body was found after 3 days. Before he was killed, his last message to the Brigade headquarters 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.’ Remembering him on his 99^th Birth anniversary, many users paid tribute to him on social media. Last year, recalling his daring gesture, the Indian Army praised his incredible valour and irresponsible courage on Twitter.