Important Questions: A Homage to our Brave Soldiers

Q.1. Where is the National War Memorial located?
A. Bengaluru
B. Chandigarh
C. Near India Gate, New Delhi
D. Mumbai
Ans: (C)
Explanation: The National War Memorial stands close to India Gate in New Delhi. It is spread over about 40 acres and was created to honour the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Q.2. When was the National War Memorial inaugurated?
A. April 2018
B. February 2019
C. January 1972
D. August 1999
Ans: (B)
Explanation: The National War Memorial was inaugurated in February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inauguration marked the formal dedication of the memorial to the nation's fallen soldiers.

Q.3. What does the Amar Jawan Jyoti symbolize?
A. Victory in wars
B. Immortality of fallen soldiers' spirits
C. India's independence
D. Military training
Ans: (B)
Explanation: The Amar Jawan Jyoti is an eternal flame that symbolises the immortality of the spirits of soldiers who laid down their lives. It acts as a constant reminder of their sacrifice and bravery.

Q.4. Which award was Lance Naik Albert Ekka given posthumously?
A. Maha Vir Chakra
B. Param Vir Chakra
C. Kirti Chakra
D. Shaurya Chakra
Ans: (B)
Explanation: Lance Naik Albert Ekka was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his conspicuous bravery in 1971. The award recognises the highest degree of valour shown in the presence of the enemy.

Q.5. What is the name of the innermost circle of the National War Memorial?
A. Veerta Chakra
B. Tyag Chakra
C. Amar Chakra
D. Raksha Chakra
Ans: (C)
Explanation: The innermost circle is called the Amar Chakra. It houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame that honours the memory of the fallen soldiers.

Q.6. Who wrote a memoir about Captain Anuj Nayyar?
A. Soumya
B. Ananda
C. Meena Nayyar
D. Major Padmapani Acharya
Ans: (C)
Explanation: Meena Nayyar, Captain Anuj Nayyar's mother, wrote a memoir titled Tiger of Drass: Capt Anuj Nayyar - 23 - Kargil Hero, which records his life and sacrifice during the Kargil War.

Q.7. What activity did Soumya's class plan after visiting the National War Memorial?
A. Write a letter to soldiers
B. Make presentations on soldiers' stories
C. Visit another memorial
D. Create a mobile app
Ans: (B)
Explanation: After the visit, Soumya's class decided to prepare presentations on the valour and life stories of soldiers. These presentations were meant to share the lessons learned and to honour the courage of the armed forces.

Q.8. What is the significance of the Tyag Chakra at the National War Memorial?
Ans: The Tyag Chakra, or Circle of Sacrifice, honours individual soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. Its circular walls are covered with granite tablets that bear the names of the fallen, etched in golden letters. The design symbolises the ancient Chakravyuh formation and gives a solemn place where visitors can read and remember each hero personally.

Q.9. How did Soumya feel during her visit to the National War Memorial?
Ans: Soumya felt proud and deeply moved during her visit. She was overwhelmed by the sight of the Amar Jawan Jyoti and the tablets bearing the names of the fallen. Thinking about the devastation and loss caused by wars made her emotional, bringing tears to her eyes, yet the visit also inspired a solemn respect and gratitude for the soldiers' sacrifices.

Q.10. What did Major Padmapani Acharya do during the Kargil War?
Ans: Major Padmapani Acharya led his reserve platoon under heavy artillery fire, charged a fortified enemy position and lobbed grenades to clear the area. Despite being severely wounded, he continued to fight and ensured the capture of the objective before succumbing to his injuries. His leadership and self-sacrifice were crucial to the success of the operation.

Q.11. Why does Ananda enjoy receiving Soumya's letters?
Ans: Ananda enjoys Soumya's letters because they bring inspiring ideas and include attractive postage stamps. These stamps support Ananda's hobby of stamp collecting, called philately, and the letters themselves are thoughtful and motivating, making them a pleasure to receive.

Q.12. How does the National War Memorial honor the sacrifices of Indian soldiers?
Ans: The National War Memorial honours Indian soldiers by serving as a permanent tribute to those who gave their lives for the country since Independence in 1947. Located near India Gate and spread over 40 acres, it features granite tablets that record the names of over 26,000 fallen soldiers. The memorial is arranged in four concentric circles-Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra and Raksha Chakra-each representing different aspects of courage, valour, sacrifice and protection. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame at the centre, symbolises the immortality of the soldiers' spirits. The Veerta Chakra displays bronze murals that depict brave actions in battle, while the Tyag Chakra's tablets honour individual heroes. Trees in the Raksha Chakra symbolise protection and safety for citizens. Inaugurated in February 2019, the design and features of the memorial ensure that the nation remembers the cost of freedom and shows gratitude to those who sacrificed everything.

Q.13. What actions did Lance Naik Albert Ekka take to earn the Param Vir Chakra?
Ans: Lance Naik Albert Ekka earned the Param Vir Chakra for exceptional courage during an assault on a well-defended enemy position at Gangasagar in 1971. Serving with the 14 Guards, he faced heavy artillery and small arms fire. Ekka charged forward, scaled the side wall of a bunker and bayoneted an enemy soldier who was operating a Medium Machine Gun, thereby silencing it and preventing further casualties among his company. Although he was gravely wounded during this action, he continued to fight and helped secure the objective before succumbing to his injuries. His selfless bravery and determination under extreme danger led to the award of India's highest wartime gallantry medal posthumously.

Q.14. How does Soumya's letter inspire Ananda to take action?
Ans: Soumya's letter inspires Ananda by sharing a vivid and moving account of the National War Memorial and stories of brave soldiers. Motivated by Soumya's description of the eternal flame and the tablets of names, Ananda decides to visit the memorial in Delhi and to explore the related mobile app to learn more about war heroes. She also plans to share these accounts with her classmates and teacher and to create a collage of soldiers' lives and sacrifices, following Soumya's class idea. The letter awakens in Ananda a stronger desire to honour and remember those who served the nation.

Q.15. How does the narrative of the soldiers' sacrifices justify the title "A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers"?
Ans: The narrative justifies the title by highlighting acts of courage, leadership and self-sacrifice by Indian soldiers and by showing how the nation remembers them. Examples such as Lance Naik Albert Ekka's bravery in 1971 and Major Padmapani Acharya's leadership in the Kargil War demonstrate personal sacrifice for the country. The National War Memorial, with its names etched on tablets, the Amar Jawan Jyoti and the concentric circles that represent valour, sacrifice and protection, provides a public and permanent tribute. Personal letters, memoirs and school projects described in the narrative further honour these soldiers and spread awareness, making the title-"A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers"-appropriate and meaningful.