NCERT Textbook: A Homage to our Brave Soldiers | English Honeycomb Class 7 PDF Download

 Page 1


114/HONEYCOMB
8
Before you read
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers.
One of them shares her experience of visiting the
National War Memorial that has left a deep impact
on her. They exchange letters and share their feelings
of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of
the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.
The memorial symbolises the patriotism of the Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
A Homage to our
Brave Soldiers
I
      oumya K.
House No…, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru
Date: 14 April 2022
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about
‘war and peace’? We talked about how India had
to struggle for its Independence from the British
S
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
Page 2


114/HONEYCOMB
8
Before you read
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers.
One of them shares her experience of visiting the
National War Memorial that has left a deep impact
on her. They exchange letters and share their feelings
of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of
the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.
The memorial symbolises the patriotism of the Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
A Homage to our
Brave Soldiers
I
      oumya K.
House No…, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru
Date: 14 April 2022
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about
‘war and peace’? We talked about how India had
to struggle for its Independence from the British
S
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/115
for many centuries. Post-independence our
country has had to fight several wars to protect
its borders, territorial integrity, and its people.
This made me wonder, who were these brave
Indian people? They fought to protect our country
and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead
our lives in peace. What were their names? Where
did they come from? Does anyone remember
anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my
questions during an educational trip to New Delhi
organised by our school. You may recall, I was
looking forward to this trip and our visit to many
places of historical and educational significance.
I learnt several new and interesting things, and I
am excited to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name
of the monument that I found most inspiring. Lets
see if you can guess? The construction of this
monument started in April 2018 and was
completed in February 2019. It was envisioned
and then inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In terms
of location and size, it is spread over 40 acres of
land near the iconic India Gate. But more
importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest
Indians. I’m sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National
War Memorial’. Won’t you say, a long desired
aspiration was fullfilled?
_____________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
territorial
integrity:
safeguarding
nation’s
borders
envisioned:
visualised
iconic:
celebrated
tribute:
showing
respect,
gratitude
2024-25
Page 3


114/HONEYCOMB
8
Before you read
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers.
One of them shares her experience of visiting the
National War Memorial that has left a deep impact
on her. They exchange letters and share their feelings
of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of
the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.
The memorial symbolises the patriotism of the Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
A Homage to our
Brave Soldiers
I
      oumya K.
House No…, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru
Date: 14 April 2022
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about
‘war and peace’? We talked about how India had
to struggle for its Independence from the British
S
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/115
for many centuries. Post-independence our
country has had to fight several wars to protect
its borders, territorial integrity, and its people.
This made me wonder, who were these brave
Indian people? They fought to protect our country
and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead
our lives in peace. What were their names? Where
did they come from? Does anyone remember
anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my
questions during an educational trip to New Delhi
organised by our school. You may recall, I was
looking forward to this trip and our visit to many
places of historical and educational significance.
I learnt several new and interesting things, and I
am excited to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name
of the monument that I found most inspiring. Lets
see if you can guess? The construction of this
monument started in April 2018 and was
completed in February 2019. It was envisioned
and then inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In terms
of location and size, it is spread over 40 acres of
land near the iconic India Gate. But more
importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest
Indians. I’m sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National
War Memorial’. Won’t you say, a long desired
aspiration was fullfilled?
_____________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
territorial
integrity:
safeguarding
nation’s
borders
envisioned:
visualised
iconic:
celebrated
tribute:
showing
respect,
gratitude
2024-25
116/HONEYCOMB
Our visit to the National War Memorial began
with our teacher explaining that even after
independence, India has had to fight many wars
to protect itself, and the freedom and security we
enjoy today is because of the many brave men
and women who have served in the Indian Armed
Forces over decades. Sadly, she said, war always
takes its toll, and therefore, many brave soldiers
have had to sacrifice their lives for the country
even after our independence in 1947. This is what
makes monuments like the National War
Memorial extremely important so that we should
never forget the cost of freedom. We are aware,
always, of the pain and horrors of war. We learnt
that each brick of the memorial is called a tablet,
and it bears the names of soldiers who fought for
India and made the supreme sacrifice in different
wars from 1947 till date, including the Indo-China
conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars in 1965 &
1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. There are
29,000 tablets on which more than 26,000 names
of fallen soldiers have been etched.
It was heartening to know that our government
has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers. Our
teacher told us about the 21 bravehearts who
were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s
highest wartime gallantry medal, for their service
to the nation. She also told us about Maha Vir
Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC)
and Shaurya Chakra (SC).
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
etched:
engraved
________________
________________
________________
________________
gallantry:
exceptional
courage
especially
in battle
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
Page 4


114/HONEYCOMB
8
Before you read
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers.
One of them shares her experience of visiting the
National War Memorial that has left a deep impact
on her. They exchange letters and share their feelings
of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of
the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.
The memorial symbolises the patriotism of the Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
A Homage to our
Brave Soldiers
I
      oumya K.
House No…, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru
Date: 14 April 2022
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about
‘war and peace’? We talked about how India had
to struggle for its Independence from the British
S
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/115
for many centuries. Post-independence our
country has had to fight several wars to protect
its borders, territorial integrity, and its people.
This made me wonder, who were these brave
Indian people? They fought to protect our country
and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead
our lives in peace. What were their names? Where
did they come from? Does anyone remember
anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my
questions during an educational trip to New Delhi
organised by our school. You may recall, I was
looking forward to this trip and our visit to many
places of historical and educational significance.
I learnt several new and interesting things, and I
am excited to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name
of the monument that I found most inspiring. Lets
see if you can guess? The construction of this
monument started in April 2018 and was
completed in February 2019. It was envisioned
and then inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In terms
of location and size, it is spread over 40 acres of
land near the iconic India Gate. But more
importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest
Indians. I’m sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National
War Memorial’. Won’t you say, a long desired
aspiration was fullfilled?
_____________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
territorial
integrity:
safeguarding
nation’s
borders
envisioned:
visualised
iconic:
celebrated
tribute:
showing
respect,
gratitude
2024-25
116/HONEYCOMB
Our visit to the National War Memorial began
with our teacher explaining that even after
independence, India has had to fight many wars
to protect itself, and the freedom and security we
enjoy today is because of the many brave men
and women who have served in the Indian Armed
Forces over decades. Sadly, she said, war always
takes its toll, and therefore, many brave soldiers
have had to sacrifice their lives for the country
even after our independence in 1947. This is what
makes monuments like the National War
Memorial extremely important so that we should
never forget the cost of freedom. We are aware,
always, of the pain and horrors of war. We learnt
that each brick of the memorial is called a tablet,
and it bears the names of soldiers who fought for
India and made the supreme sacrifice in different
wars from 1947 till date, including the Indo-China
conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars in 1965 &
1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. There are
29,000 tablets on which more than 26,000 names
of fallen soldiers have been etched.
It was heartening to know that our government
has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers. Our
teacher told us about the 21 bravehearts who
were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s
highest wartime gallantry medal, for their service
to the nation. She also told us about Maha Vir
Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC)
and Shaurya Chakra (SC).
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
etched:
engraved
________________
________________
________________
________________
gallantry:
exceptional
courage
especially
in battle
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/117
Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously
awarded India’s first PVC, in the Battle of Badgam
in 1947. Later some more PVCs were awarded for
exceptional gallantry during the India-China
Conflict of 1962, and the India-Pakistan War of
1965. Besides, a PVC was also awarded for service
during the U.N.Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were
awarded the PVC (posthumously) includes Lance
Naik Albert Ekka, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh
Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal  and
Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel
including Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla were also
awarded MVC for their exemplary courage and
leadership.
Then the teacher shared with us the citation
of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert
Ekka. It touched my heart and also motivated
me. We were awestruck and humbled by his
bravery. I aspire to be courageous like him when
I join the army!
https://www.indiatimes.com/hindi/frontlines/param-vir-
chakra-awardee-lance-naik-albert-ekka-503475.html
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
citation:
meritorious
performance
of duty
________________
________________
awestruck:
amazed
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
posthumously:
after death
2024-25
Page 5


114/HONEYCOMB
8
Before you read
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers.
One of them shares her experience of visiting the
National War Memorial that has left a deep impact
on her. They exchange letters and share their feelings
of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy because of
the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country.
The memorial symbolises the patriotism of the Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
A Homage to our
Brave Soldiers
I
      oumya K.
House No…, Jayanagar,
Bengaluru
Date: 14 April 2022
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about
‘war and peace’? We talked about how India had
to struggle for its Independence from the British
S
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/115
for many centuries. Post-independence our
country has had to fight several wars to protect
its borders, territorial integrity, and its people.
This made me wonder, who were these brave
Indian people? They fought to protect our country
and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead
our lives in peace. What were their names? Where
did they come from? Does anyone remember
anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my
questions during an educational trip to New Delhi
organised by our school. You may recall, I was
looking forward to this trip and our visit to many
places of historical and educational significance.
I learnt several new and interesting things, and I
am excited to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name
of the monument that I found most inspiring. Lets
see if you can guess? The construction of this
monument started in April 2018 and was
completed in February 2019. It was envisioned
and then inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In terms
of location and size, it is spread over 40 acres of
land near the iconic India Gate. But more
importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest
Indians. I’m sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National
War Memorial’. Won’t you say, a long desired
aspiration was fullfilled?
_____________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
territorial
integrity:
safeguarding
nation’s
borders
envisioned:
visualised
iconic:
celebrated
tribute:
showing
respect,
gratitude
2024-25
116/HONEYCOMB
Our visit to the National War Memorial began
with our teacher explaining that even after
independence, India has had to fight many wars
to protect itself, and the freedom and security we
enjoy today is because of the many brave men
and women who have served in the Indian Armed
Forces over decades. Sadly, she said, war always
takes its toll, and therefore, many brave soldiers
have had to sacrifice their lives for the country
even after our independence in 1947. This is what
makes monuments like the National War
Memorial extremely important so that we should
never forget the cost of freedom. We are aware,
always, of the pain and horrors of war. We learnt
that each brick of the memorial is called a tablet,
and it bears the names of soldiers who fought for
India and made the supreme sacrifice in different
wars from 1947 till date, including the Indo-China
conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars in 1965 &
1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. There are
29,000 tablets on which more than 26,000 names
of fallen soldiers have been etched.
It was heartening to know that our government
has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers. Our
teacher told us about the 21 bravehearts who
were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s
highest wartime gallantry medal, for their service
to the nation. She also told us about Maha Vir
Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC)
and Shaurya Chakra (SC).
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
etched:
engraved
________________
________________
________________
________________
gallantry:
exceptional
courage
especially
in battle
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25
A HOMAGE TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS/117
Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously
awarded India’s first PVC, in the Battle of Badgam
in 1947. Later some more PVCs were awarded for
exceptional gallantry during the India-China
Conflict of 1962, and the India-Pakistan War of
1965. Besides, a PVC was also awarded for service
during the U.N.Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were
awarded the PVC (posthumously) includes Lance
Naik Albert Ekka, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh
Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal  and
Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel
including Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla were also
awarded MVC for their exemplary courage and
leadership.
Then the teacher shared with us the citation
of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert
Ekka. It touched my heart and also motivated
me. We were awestruck and humbled by his
bravery. I aspire to be courageous like him when
I join the army!
https://www.indiatimes.com/hindi/frontlines/param-vir-
chakra-awardee-lance-naik-albert-ekka-503475.html
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
citation:
meritorious
performance
of duty
________________
________________
awestruck:
amazed
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
posthumously:
after death
2024-25
118/HONEYCOMB
 Lance Naik Albert Ekka,
(No. 4239746), 14 Guards
Lance Naik Albert Ekka was in the left forward
company of a Battalion of the Brigade of Guards
during their attack on the enemy defence at
Gangasagar on the eastern front. This was a
well-fortified position held in strength by the
enemy. The assaulting troops were subjected
to intense shelling and heavy small arms fire,
but they charged on to the objective and were
locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat. Lance
Naik Albert Ekka noticed an enemy Light
Machine Gun inflicting heavy casualties on his
company. With complete disregard to his
personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker,
bayoneted two enemy soldiers and silenced the
Light Machine Gun. Though seriously wounded
in this encounter, he continued to fight
alongside his comrades through the mile deep
objective, clearing bunker after bunker with
undaunted courage. Towards the northern end
of the objective, one enemy Medium Machine
Gun opened up from the second storey of a
well-fortified building inflicting heavy casualties
and holding up the attack. Once again, this
gallant soldier without worrying about his
personal safety, despite his serious injury and
the heavy volume of enemy fire, crawled forward
CITATION
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
________________
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
—————–
2024-25