Srinagar: A wreath-laying ceremony was organised by the Indian Army in honour of Maj Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous), the first Param Vir Chakra of Indian Army at the ‘Saviours of Kashmir’ War Memorial, located at Srinagar International Airport, said PRO (Defence) Srinagar.
“Maj Somnath Sharma, born on 31 January 1922 in Himachal Pradesh Kangra was commissioned in the 4th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment on 22 October 1942,” the PRO said.
“Maj Somnath Sharma led the ‘D’ Company of 4 Kumaon and established a base at Budgam against the Pakistani Forces approaching Srinagar from Northern direction on 03 November 1947. Despite facing a numerically superior enemy force supported by small arms, mortars and heavy automatic weapons, Maj Somnath Sharma and his company held on to their positions and foiled enemy’s advance towards the Srinagar airfield for crucial hours,” he said.
The PRO further said: “In this decisive battle of 1947, Maj Somnath Sharma along with one Junior Commissioned Officer and 20 Other Ranks made the supreme sacrifice, defending the motherland against all odds. For his ultimate courage, leadership and dedication beyond the call of duty, Maj Somnath Sharma was conferred upon the country’s first and highest wartime Gallantry Award, The Param Vir Chakra, posthumously. His supreme sacrifice played a vital role in India’s victory in the first war fought after Independence.”
“On behalf of Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps, Brigadier Sumesh Seth, Commandant, The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre, paid homage to Maj Somnath Sharma, PVC (Posthumous) at the ‘Saviours of Kashmir’ War Memorial, as a mark of respect to this gallant son of India who had made the supreme sacrifice defending Kashmir against Pakistan Forces at Budgam. Besides Officers & men of the Army, representatives from other Security Forces, Civil Administration and Airport Authorities also laid the wreath and paid tribute to the Gallant Soldier,” he added.
