The first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry medal given in India, was Major Som Nath Sharma, PVC (1923–1947). Because of his courage during the Kashmir operations in November 1947, he received the medal posthumously. He perished while clearing Pakistani raiders and infiltrators from Srinagar Airport in Kashmir during the Indo-Pak conflict of 1947–1948. He was a member of the Fourth Kumaon Regiment.
Today as we remember this hero, it’s hard to forget the days of his valour and selfless acts of patriotism.
He received the Param Vir Chakra for demonstrating an act of inspirational leadership, notable heroism, and great sacrifice (Posthumous).
His left hand was in a plaster cast at the time due to injuries he had previously incurred playing hockey, but he persisted in going into battle with his regiment and was eventually allowed to go. Two of the three deployed units returned to Srinagar around 2:00 pm since there was no hostile movement. Sharma's D Company, however, was instructed to hold its position until 3:00 PM. To prevent hurting or killing innocent people, counterfire was not authorised when Sharma's unit in Badgam came under fire at 2:35 p.m. A tribal Lashkar of 500 infiltrators suddenly appeared heading toward the Badgam from Gulmarg. D Company quickly found itself besieged on all sides and suffered several losses. Sharma saw how crucial it was to maintain his position, therefore despite being heavily under fire and being outnumbered seven to one, he encouraged his troops to fight valiantly while often running into enemy fire. With unwavering tenacity, Major Somnath Sharma guided his company as they engaged the enemy. He continued to sprint across the open terrain to his men while expertly directing their fire against the enemy until a mortar bomb burst close to him. After he passed away, his forces continued to battle for many hours, thwarting the opposing attack. His company's position despite being surrounded and attacked by the enemy, from three directions continued to avert enemies’ efforts to seize the Srinagar airstrip.
In his last message sent to the brigade headquarters, Major Sharma said, "The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round."
Monday marks the 99th birthday of Major Somnath Sharma of India, who was the country's first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the nation's highest honour for valour. Major Sharma, who received the honour posthumously in 1950, has received several tributes from people on social media.
