NCERT Textbook: A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam | English Poorvi Class 8 - New NCERT PDF Download

 Page 1


Values and Dispositions
49
Values and Dispositions
49 49
A Tale of Valour
Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Unit 2
VALUES AND DISPOSITIONS
II Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Unit 2.indd   49 20-05-2025   11:23:57
Page 2


Values and Dispositions
49
Values and Dispositions
49 49
A Tale of Valour
Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Unit 2
VALUES AND DISPOSITIONS
II Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Unit 2.indd   49 20-05-2025   11:23:57
Poorvi
50
Let us read
etched:
permanently 
fixed in 
someone’s 
memory
beacon: a 
source of 
inspiration
valour: courage
Mera desh, mera desh re
Mera desh hua re roshan,
le qurban kiya tujh hee pe ye tan man…
Major Somnath Sharma
(1923–1947)
Kumaon
Regiment Crest
This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s 
first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched 
in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a 
beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection 
of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, 
soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts 
of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—
his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of 
courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, 
forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for
our freedom. 
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic 
Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and 
Unit 2.indd   50 13-05-2025   12:07:14
Page 3


Values and Dispositions
49
Values and Dispositions
49 49
A Tale of Valour
Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Unit 2
VALUES AND DISPOSITIONS
II Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Unit 2.indd   49 20-05-2025   11:23:57
Poorvi
50
Let us read
etched:
permanently 
fixed in 
someone’s 
memory
beacon: a 
source of 
inspiration
valour: courage
Mera desh, mera desh re
Mera desh hua re roshan,
le qurban kiya tujh hee pe ye tan man…
Major Somnath Sharma
(1923–1947)
Kumaon
Regiment Crest
This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s 
first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched 
in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a 
beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection 
of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, 
soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts 
of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—
his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of 
courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, 
forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for
our freedom. 
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic 
Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and 
Unit 2.indd   50 13-05-2025   12:07:14
51
Values and Dispositions
infiltrators:
people who 
secretly invade
annex: to take 
possession of
sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders. The day 
began with the silence of a cold November dawn but ended 
with echoes of courage that served as an inspiration for 
generations to come.
This is the story of Major Somnath Sharma and the brave 
men that he led on a mission to protect the Srinagar airport 
from falling into the hands of a guerrilla force trained and 
backed by Pakistan. This is a story of how 90 men managed to 
foil the plan of some 500 infiltrators who wanted to capture 
Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley and deliver a blow to 
newly-independent India.
The events that led to the Battle of Badgam started in August 
1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the 
Kashmir Valley. This was in violation of an existing agreement 
with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, 
who had committed Pakistan not to attack the state.
However, instead of honouring the commitment, the 
Pakistani Army trained and equipped around 1000 invaders 
who possessed deep knowledge of mountain passes and the 
local terrain to enter Kashmir and take control of strategic 
locations, including the Srinagar airport. The ultimate goal of 
Unit 2.indd   51 13-05-2025   12:07:15
Page 4


Values and Dispositions
49
Values and Dispositions
49 49
A Tale of Valour
Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Unit 2
VALUES AND DISPOSITIONS
II Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Unit 2.indd   49 20-05-2025   11:23:57
Poorvi
50
Let us read
etched:
permanently 
fixed in 
someone’s 
memory
beacon: a 
source of 
inspiration
valour: courage
Mera desh, mera desh re
Mera desh hua re roshan,
le qurban kiya tujh hee pe ye tan man…
Major Somnath Sharma
(1923–1947)
Kumaon
Regiment Crest
This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s 
first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched 
in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a 
beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection 
of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, 
soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts 
of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—
his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of 
courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, 
forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for
our freedom. 
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic 
Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and 
Unit 2.indd   50 13-05-2025   12:07:14
51
Values and Dispositions
infiltrators:
people who 
secretly invade
annex: to take 
possession of
sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders. The day 
began with the silence of a cold November dawn but ended 
with echoes of courage that served as an inspiration for 
generations to come.
This is the story of Major Somnath Sharma and the brave 
men that he led on a mission to protect the Srinagar airport 
from falling into the hands of a guerrilla force trained and 
backed by Pakistan. This is a story of how 90 men managed to 
foil the plan of some 500 infiltrators who wanted to capture 
Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley and deliver a blow to 
newly-independent India.
The events that led to the Battle of Badgam started in August 
1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the 
Kashmir Valley. This was in violation of an existing agreement 
with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, 
who had committed Pakistan not to attack the state.
However, instead of honouring the commitment, the 
Pakistani Army trained and equipped around 1000 invaders 
who possessed deep knowledge of mountain passes and the 
local terrain to enter Kashmir and take control of strategic 
locations, including the Srinagar airport. The ultimate goal of 
Unit 2.indd   51 13-05-2025   12:07:15
Poorvi
52
their plan was to engineer a revolt in Kashmir, overthrow the 
government, and capture the territory. If they had succeeded, 
it would have allowed them to control strategic mountain 
passes, peaks, and rivers. On 22 October, Operation Gulmarg 
was launched and these infiltrators invaded Kashmir, 
which led to the Princely State becoming a part of India on 
26 October 1947.
In response to this invasion, the Government of India sent its 
troops to defend the people of Kashmir and India’s borders on 
27 October 1947. A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and 
Kashmir was airlifted into Srinagar because the land route 
through Pathankot was not in a good condition. 
On 31 October, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon 
Regiment, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, 
was also flown into Srinagar. At that time, Major Somnath 
Sharma’s left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on being with 
his company while in combat. He knew that this mission would 
be very challenging and told his senior officers, “I know my 
men better than anyone else, and if they are going into action, 
they are not going in without me.” These words highlighted 
his commitment to his men and his country.
Before their arrival in Srinagar, there had been unfounded 
rumours of tribal movement towards the village of Badgam, 
less than 5 kilometres away from the Srinagar airport. The 
village was on a higher altitude than the airfield, and access 
was through the village. Hence, it was important for Indian 
forces to retain control of the area in order to protect troops 
and facilitate supplies arriving via air. 
In reality, the enemy had started arriving in Badgam in small 
groups to avoid detection. On 03 November 1947, several 
companies, including Major Somnath Sharma’s D Company, 
were sent to patrol and assess emerging threats in and around 
the village. Throughout the day, the valley was eerily silent. 
Around afternoon, the companies were ordered to return one 
by one. D company with 90 soldiers was the last, and they 
were expected to return by 2:00 p.m.
When the enemy (tribal guerrilla invaders), under the 
command of the Pakistani army, saw that only a small group 
combat: a 
battle
unfounded: not 
based on reason 
or facts
eerily: in 
a strange, 
frightening and 
mysterious way
Unit 2.indd   52 13-05-2025   12:07:16
Page 5


Values and Dispositions
49
Values and Dispositions
49 49
A Tale of Valour
Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam
Let us do these activities before we read.
I Work in pairs. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
1. What do you think about the Republic Day Parade on 26 January?
2. What are the highlights of this parade?
3. What bravery awards are given on this day, and who receives them?
Unit 2
VALUES AND DISPOSITIONS
II Work in groups of four and discuss.
1. What qualities do you think a soldier should have?
2. If you had to share a message with a soldier, what would it be?
Unit 2.indd   49 20-05-2025   11:23:57
Poorvi
50
Let us read
etched:
permanently 
fixed in 
someone’s 
memory
beacon: a 
source of 
inspiration
valour: courage
Mera desh, mera desh re
Mera desh hua re roshan,
le qurban kiya tujh hee pe ye tan man…
Major Somnath Sharma
(1923–1947)
Kumaon
Regiment Crest
This is a tribute to the valiant Major Somnath Sharma, India’s 
first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, whose name is etched 
in the annals of history. His bravery and sacrifice stand as a 
beacon of inspiration for generations. At every intersection 
of patriotism—whether through the National War Memorial, 
soul stirring patriotic songs, books, and stories recounting acts 
of valour, or the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav—
his memory is honoured. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of 
courage and devotion to the nation remains forever alive, 
forever alive… reminding us of the ultimate price paid for
our freedom. 
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic 
Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and 
Unit 2.indd   50 13-05-2025   12:07:14
51
Values and Dispositions
infiltrators:
people who 
secretly invade
annex: to take 
possession of
sacrifice to protect the integrity of Indian borders. The day 
began with the silence of a cold November dawn but ended 
with echoes of courage that served as an inspiration for 
generations to come.
This is the story of Major Somnath Sharma and the brave 
men that he led on a mission to protect the Srinagar airport 
from falling into the hands of a guerrilla force trained and 
backed by Pakistan. This is a story of how 90 men managed to 
foil the plan of some 500 infiltrators who wanted to capture 
Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley and deliver a blow to 
newly-independent India.
The events that led to the Battle of Badgam started in August 
1947, when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annex the 
Kashmir Valley. This was in violation of an existing agreement 
with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, 
who had committed Pakistan not to attack the state.
However, instead of honouring the commitment, the 
Pakistani Army trained and equipped around 1000 invaders 
who possessed deep knowledge of mountain passes and the 
local terrain to enter Kashmir and take control of strategic 
locations, including the Srinagar airport. The ultimate goal of 
Unit 2.indd   51 13-05-2025   12:07:15
Poorvi
52
their plan was to engineer a revolt in Kashmir, overthrow the 
government, and capture the territory. If they had succeeded, 
it would have allowed them to control strategic mountain 
passes, peaks, and rivers. On 22 October, Operation Gulmarg 
was launched and these infiltrators invaded Kashmir, 
which led to the Princely State becoming a part of India on 
26 October 1947.
In response to this invasion, the Government of India sent its 
troops to defend the people of Kashmir and India’s borders on 
27 October 1947. A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and 
Kashmir was airlifted into Srinagar because the land route 
through Pathankot was not in a good condition. 
On 31 October, the D Company of the 4th Battalion of Kumaon 
Regiment, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, 
was also flown into Srinagar. At that time, Major Somnath 
Sharma’s left hand was in plaster, but he insisted on being with 
his company while in combat. He knew that this mission would 
be very challenging and told his senior officers, “I know my 
men better than anyone else, and if they are going into action, 
they are not going in without me.” These words highlighted 
his commitment to his men and his country.
Before their arrival in Srinagar, there had been unfounded 
rumours of tribal movement towards the village of Badgam, 
less than 5 kilometres away from the Srinagar airport. The 
village was on a higher altitude than the airfield, and access 
was through the village. Hence, it was important for Indian 
forces to retain control of the area in order to protect troops 
and facilitate supplies arriving via air. 
In reality, the enemy had started arriving in Badgam in small 
groups to avoid detection. On 03 November 1947, several 
companies, including Major Somnath Sharma’s D Company, 
were sent to patrol and assess emerging threats in and around 
the village. Throughout the day, the valley was eerily silent. 
Around afternoon, the companies were ordered to return one 
by one. D company with 90 soldiers was the last, and they 
were expected to return by 2:00 p.m.
When the enemy (tribal guerrilla invaders), under the 
command of the Pakistani army, saw that only a small group 
combat: a 
battle
unfounded: not 
based on reason 
or facts
eerily: in 
a strange, 
frightening and 
mysterious way
Unit 2.indd   52 13-05-2025   12:07:16
Values and Dispositions
53 53 53
of Indian soldiers were left behind in Badgam, they attacked 
them. Their initial attack was met with stiff resistance by Major 
Somnath and his men. However, Major Somnath correctly 
visualised that the first attack was just a distraction. Shortly 
thereafter, a major attack came from another side. By then, 
Major Somnath Sharma and his 90 soldiers were facing about 
500 invaders.
The Pakistani invaders sought to capture the Srinagar airfield 
and its surrounding areas. It was clear to Major Somnath 
Sharma that defending Srinagar town, the airfield, and the 
wider valley was indeed difficult until reinforcements arrived.
After assessing the situation, he requested air strikes. He 
bravely laid out ground panels to guide the aircraft towards 
their target. The aerial attacks were successful in hitting the 
tribal invaders, but they still outnumbered D Company by 
almost seven to one, the attack on the positions occupied by 
Major Somnath’s men continued.
Vastly outnumbered and facing devastating fire, Major 
Somnath Sharma and his men stood resolute. The air was 
thick with the sound of gunfire and the cries of battle, but 
Major Somnath Sharma’s voice cut through the chaos, urging 
his men to fight with tenacity and valour.
Despite heavy casualties and his own injuries, Major Somnath 
Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery. He moved fearlessly 
through the battlefield, directing fire, filling magazines for his 
gunners, and encouraging his men to hold their ground. 
outnumbered:
were greater in 
number
resolute:
determined
tenacity:
determination
unparalleled:
unmatched
magazines:
(here) containers 
that hold 
cartridges to be 
fed into a gun
Unit 2.indd   53 13-05-2025   12:07:17