Somnath Sharma was born on January 31, 1923, in Himachal Pradesh, India. He is remembered as a valiant soldier who displayed exceptional courage and leadership during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
Sharma was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army in 1942 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and bravery. During the conflict over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, he was deployed to the strategic town of Badgam, where Pakistani forces launched a fierce attack to capture the airfield.
On November 3, 1947, Sharma’s company faced overwhelming enemy forces. Despite being heavily outnumbered and under intense fire, he displayed remarkable courage and leadership, rallying his men to defend their position at all costs. He personally manned a light machine gun and continued to engage the enemy even after sustaining multiple injuries.
Sharma’s gallant stand inspired his comrades to fight fiercely, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Tragically, he was mortally wounded during the battle, but his selfless actions allowed his company to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived, preventing the enemy from capturing the airfield.
For his extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice, Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for valor, making him the first recipient of this prestigious award.
Somnath Sharma’s unwavering courage and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of Indians and serve as a shining example of selfless sacrifice and dedication to duty in the service of the nation. He remains a symbol of bravery and heroism, revered by his countrymen for his extraordinary valor on the battlefield.
