Class 7 English Unit 5 NCERT Book - A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

 Page 1


Bravehearts Unit 5
BRAVEHEARTS
A HomA ge to o Ur BrA ve SoldierS
Let us do these activities before we read.
 I Homage means ‘something that is said or done to show respect publicly 
for someone’. Whom should every Indian pay homage to? Share your 
answers with your classmates and the teacher. 
 II Work in pairs to complete the table by writing any three ways in which 
we can celebrate the victories and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers. 
An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your 
classmates and the teacher.
Celebrating their 
Victories
Honouring their 
Sacrifices
visiting a war 
memorial
Unit 5.indd   179 Unit 5.indd   179 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM
Page 2


Bravehearts Unit 5
BRAVEHEARTS
A HomA ge to o Ur BrA ve SoldierS
Let us do these activities before we read.
 I Homage means ‘something that is said or done to show respect publicly 
for someone’. Whom should every Indian pay homage to? Share your 
answers with your classmates and the teacher. 
 II Work in pairs to complete the table by writing any three ways in which 
we can celebrate the victories and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers. 
An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your 
classmates and the teacher.
Celebrating their 
Victories
Honouring their 
Sacrifices
visiting a war 
memorial
Unit 5.indd   179 Unit 5.indd   179 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM
Poorvi 180
 Let us 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 Indian 
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
I
House No…
Jayanagar
Bengaluru
14 April 20XX
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the 
importance of peace? We talked about how India had to 
struggle for its Independence from the British 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. Let’s 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 
territorial 
integrity: 
safeguarding 
nation’s borders
envisioned: 
visualised
Unit 5.indd   180 Unit 5.indd   180 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Page 3


Bravehearts Unit 5
BRAVEHEARTS
A HomA ge to o Ur BrA ve SoldierS
Let us do these activities before we read.
 I Homage means ‘something that is said or done to show respect publicly 
for someone’. Whom should every Indian pay homage to? Share your 
answers with your classmates and the teacher. 
 II Work in pairs to complete the table by writing any three ways in which 
we can celebrate the victories and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers. 
An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your 
classmates and the teacher.
Celebrating their 
Victories
Honouring their 
Sacrifices
visiting a war 
memorial
Unit 5.indd   179 Unit 5.indd   179 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM
Poorvi 180
 Let us 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 Indian 
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
I
House No…
Jayanagar
Bengaluru
14 April 20XX
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the 
importance of peace? We talked about how India had to 
struggle for its Independence from the British 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. Let’s 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 
territorial 
integrity: 
safeguarding 
nation’s borders
envisioned: 
visualised
Unit 5.indd   180 Unit 5.indd   180 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Bravehearts 181
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 fulfilled?
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 herself, 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).
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 UN 
Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were awarded the 
PVC (posthumously) include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying 
Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun 
Khetarpal, and Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel 
etched: 
engraved
gallantry: 
exceptional 
courage 
especially in 
battle
posthumously: 
after death
iconic: 
celebrated
tribute: 
showing 
respect, 
gratitude
Unit 5.indd   181 Unit 5.indd   181 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Page 4


Bravehearts Unit 5
BRAVEHEARTS
A HomA ge to o Ur BrA ve SoldierS
Let us do these activities before we read.
 I Homage means ‘something that is said or done to show respect publicly 
for someone’. Whom should every Indian pay homage to? Share your 
answers with your classmates and the teacher. 
 II Work in pairs to complete the table by writing any three ways in which 
we can celebrate the victories and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers. 
An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your 
classmates and the teacher.
Celebrating their 
Victories
Honouring their 
Sacrifices
visiting a war 
memorial
Unit 5.indd   179 Unit 5.indd   179 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM
Poorvi 180
 Let us 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 Indian 
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
I
House No…
Jayanagar
Bengaluru
14 April 20XX
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the 
importance of peace? We talked about how India had to 
struggle for its Independence from the British 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. Let’s 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 
territorial 
integrity: 
safeguarding 
nation’s borders
envisioned: 
visualised
Unit 5.indd   180 Unit 5.indd   180 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Bravehearts 181
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 fulfilled?
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 herself, 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).
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 UN 
Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were awarded the 
PVC (posthumously) include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying 
Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun 
Khetarpal, and Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel 
etched: 
engraved
gallantry: 
exceptional 
courage 
especially in 
battle
posthumously: 
after death
iconic: 
celebrated
tribute: 
showing 
respect, 
gratitude
Unit 5.indd   181 Unit 5.indd   181 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Poorvi 182
Cit Ation 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 till he 
reached the building and lobbed a grenade through the loophole of 
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!
citation: 
meritorious 
performance of 
duty
awestruck: 
amazed
Lance Naik Albert Ekka (PVC)
Unit 5.indd   182 Unit 5.indd   182 06-Mar-25   2:49:40 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:40 PM
Page 5


Bravehearts Unit 5
BRAVEHEARTS
A HomA ge to o Ur BrA ve SoldierS
Let us do these activities before we read.
 I Homage means ‘something that is said or done to show respect publicly 
for someone’. Whom should every Indian pay homage to? Share your 
answers with your classmates and the teacher. 
 II Work in pairs to complete the table by writing any three ways in which 
we can celebrate the victories and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers. 
An example has been done for you. Share your answers with your 
classmates and the teacher.
Celebrating their 
Victories
Honouring their 
Sacrifices
visiting a war 
memorial
Unit 5.indd   179 Unit 5.indd   179 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:36 PM
Poorvi 180
 Let us 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 Indian 
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
I
House No…
Jayanagar
Bengaluru
14 April 20XX
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the 
importance of peace? We talked about how India had to 
struggle for its Independence from the British 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. Let’s 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 
territorial 
integrity: 
safeguarding 
nation’s borders
envisioned: 
visualised
Unit 5.indd   180 Unit 5.indd   180 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Bravehearts 181
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 fulfilled?
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 herself, 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).
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 UN 
Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were awarded the 
PVC (posthumously) include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying 
Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun 
Khetarpal, and Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel 
etched: 
engraved
gallantry: 
exceptional 
courage 
especially in 
battle
posthumously: 
after death
iconic: 
celebrated
tribute: 
showing 
respect, 
gratitude
Unit 5.indd   181 Unit 5.indd   181 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:37 PM
Poorvi 182
Cit Ation 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 till he 
reached the building and lobbed a grenade through the loophole of 
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!
citation: 
meritorious 
performance of 
duty
awestruck: 
amazed
Lance Naik Albert Ekka (PVC)
Unit 5.indd   182 Unit 5.indd   182 06-Mar-25   2:49:40 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:40 PM
Bravehearts 183
the bunker, killing one enemy and injuring the other. 
The Medium Machine Gun, however, continued to fire. With 
outstanding courage and grim determination, Lance Naik Albert 
Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker, bayoneted the 
enemy who was still firing and thus silenced the Machine Gun, 
saving further casualties to his company and ensured the success 
of the attack. 
In this process, however, he received serious injuries and succumbed 
to them after the capture of the objective. In this action, Lance Naik 
Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous valour, determination 
and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army. 
(Gazette of India Notification No. 7– Pres./72)
As we continued our visit around the National War Memorial, 
we came across another important installation called Amar 
Jawan Jyoti that commemorates our soldiers. The name, as 
you may have guessed, represents an immortal flame that 
is kept ablaze all through the day and night to revere the 
sacrifices of our soldiers. Earlier the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which 
also displayed a rifle and a helmet, was alighted under the 
arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India’s 
victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.
commemorates: 
remember 
officially and 
show respect
obelisk: tapering 
stone pillar
wreaths: 
circular 
arrangement of 
flowers used as 
a respect and 
remembrance 
for a person who 
has died
interminable: 
everlasting
The National War Memorial now includes Amar 
Jawan Jyoti in the obelisk, which is surrounded by 
four Chakras. During the inauguration, the Prime 
Minister lit a new flame to commemorate the fallen 
heroes. Later, the old flame at India Gate was also 
merged with the new flame at the National War 
Memorial. Here is a picture of the new Amar Jawan 
Jyoti if you haven’t seen it. 
You can see the obelisk surrounded by wreaths 
that have been placed as a mark of respect. The 
lighting design is planned in such a way that it 
transforms the monument’s landscape as sunlight 
changes from dawn to dusk. It truly is a majestic 
site that filled me with pride for our nation. I was 
also overwhelmed by the interminable flame as a 
metaphor for eternal stories of courage and valour.
https://nationalwarmemorial.gov.in/
Unit 5.indd   183 Unit 5.indd   183 06-Mar-25   2:49:42 PM 06-Mar-25   2:49:42 PM