NCERT adds chapters on Manekshaw, Brig Usman, Maj Somnath Sharma to school syllabus

The NCERT syllabus for the current academic year will now include chapters on the lives and sacrifices of three of India’s decorated military heroes: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma. This was announced by the Ministry of Defence.

The Military Heroes and Their Contributions

• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: India’s first officer to achieve the five-star rank, he is celebrated for his decisive leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• Brigadier Mohammad Usman: Known as the ‘Lion of Nowshera’, he was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra for laying down his life in the service of the nation.
• Major Somnath Sharma: As the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, he was posthumously awarded the medal for his ultimate sacrifice.

Purpose of the Initiative

The inclusion of these chapters, which are part of a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Defence and Education and the NCERT, aims to:

• Familiarize students with the country’s military history.
• Instill values of patriotism, courage, and resilience.
• Strengthen the emotional and patriotic connection of students with the National War Memorial (NWM).

(Source: AIR)