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Chapter 2: Values and DispositionsClass 8 English — summary, notes, extra questions & NCERT solutions

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Major Somnath Sharma was the first Indian to receive which gallantry award?

The story in short

Unit 2 of Poorvi explores courage, sacrifice and compassion. Its main prose reading, “A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam”, pays tribute to Major Somnath Sharma of the Kumaon Regiment, India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. In November 1947, soon after Independence, infiltrators tried to capture the Kashmir Valley and advance towards Srinagar airfield. Despite a fractured arm in plaster, Major Sharma led his company at Badgam against a vastly larger enemy force. Refusing to retreat, he held the position to protect Srinagar, personally carrying ammunition and directing fire until he was killed in action. His leadership delayed the enemy long enough to save the airfield, and his last message—that he would not withdraw even to the last man and the last round—became legendary. The unit links his sacrifice to symbols of national gratitude such as the Param Vir Chakra and the National War Memorial. It is paired with Mary Dow Brine’s poem “Somebody’s Mother”, in which a kind schoolboy helps a poor, old woman cross a snowy street, reminding readers that bravery includes everyday acts of kindness and empathy. Together the readings teach patriotism, selflessness, respect for elders and the values that shape good character.

The story in 6 beats

  1. 1The chapter opens with Major Somnath Sharma’s courage being honoured as a lasting inspiration for the nation.
  2. 2Pakistan sends infiltrators into Kashmir to seize key places, including Srinagar airport, after launching Operation Gulmarg.
  3. 3Major Somnath Sharma reaches Srinagar with D Company and insists on fighting beside his men despite his injured hand.
  4. 4At Badgam, his 90 soldiers face about 500 invaders, resist strongly, and call for air strikes to slow the attack.
  5. 5Though heavily outnumbered and short of ammunition, Major Somnath refuses to withdraw and fights while guiding and encouraging his men.
  6. 6A mortar shell kills him, but his company holds on long enough to save Srinagar, and he receives the Param Vir Chakra.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma (prose)The Battle of Badgam, 1947Param Vir Chakra and symbols of national gratitude“Somebody’s Mother” by Mary Dow Brine (poem)Courage, sacrifice and empathyComprehension and value education

Characters & key ideas

MMajor Somnath SharmaOfficer of the Kumaon Regiment and India’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient, who died defending Badgam in 1947.
PParam Vir ChakraIndia’s highest wartime gallantry award; its design is inspired by Sage Dadhichi’s sacrifice.
BBattle of BadgamThe 1947 action near Srinagar where Major Sharma’s company held off infiltrators to protect the airfield.
VValourGreat courage in the face of danger; the central virtue celebrated in the prose lesson.
“Somebody’s Mother” (poem)A poem by Mary Dow Brine about a boy who helps an old woman cross a snowy road, highlighting kindness and empathy.
DDispositionA person’s natural qualities of character, such as courage, compassion, humility and respect, that the unit develops.

Word meanings · शब्दार्थ

etched
fixed permanently in memory
beacon
source of inspiration
valour
great courage
infiltrators
people who secretly invade
annex
take possession of
combat
a battle
eerily
in a strange, frightening way
resolute
firmly determined
tenacity
strong determination
ammunition
supply of bullets and shells
posthumously
after death
legacy
values passed to later generations

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Major Somnath Sharma
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Officer of the Kumaon Regiment and India’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient, who died defending Badgam in 1947.
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Practice quiz · Values and Dispositions

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