Somnath House – Bhartiya Sainik School, Sikar
Major Somnath Sharma, Param Veer Chakra
Born : January 31, 1923, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Died : November 3, 1947 (aged 24), Budgam, Kashmir
Service : Indian Army
Unit : 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment
Award : Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous, First Recipient)
Brief Profile
Major Somnath Sharma was born into a military family in Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, was
also a distinguished army officer. After graduating from the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst, Somnath was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th
Hyderabad Regiment (later 4th Kumaon) of the British Indian Army in 1942.
During World War II, he served in the Arakan Campaign in Burma and was mentioned
in dispatches for his courage and leadership. Following India's independence, when Pakistan launched
tribal invaders into Kashmir in October 1947, Major Sharma led 'D' Company of 4th Kumaon Regiment to
defend Srinagar Airfield.
On November 3, 1947, despite having a plaster cast on his arm due to a previous injury, Major Sharma
led his company against a 700-strong enemy force at Budgam. Even when surrounded and heavily outnumbered,
he continued directing his men and providing covering fire. His last radio message said: "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."
Major Sharma and his men made the supreme sacrifice, but their heroic defense delayed the enemy advance,
allowing Indian reinforcements to secure Srinagar Airfield—saving Kashmir. For his exemplary courage, leadership,
and supreme sacrifice, Major Somnath Sharma became the first recipient of independent India's highest military
decoration, the Param Vir Chakra.
"The welfare of your men comes before your own comfort and safety." - Major Somnath Sharma's guiding principle
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