New Delhi, August 8
Chapters on the lives and sacrifices of legendary war heroes Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma have been added to the NCERT syllabus for the current academic year, the Ministry of Defence stated in a release on Thursday
According to the ministry, chapters on Field Marshal Manekshaw have been included in Class 8 (Urdu), Brigadier Usman in Class 7 (Urdu), and Major Sharma in Class 8 (English). The newly introduced chapters aim to provide students with inspirational narratives of courage and duty.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India's first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal, is remembered for his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. Brigadier Mohammad Usman and Major Somnath Sharma, both recipients of the Mahavir Chakra and Param Vir Chakra, respectively (posthumously), laid down their lives in service of the nation and remain symbols of supreme sacrifice, it said.
Through these stories and their inclusion in the curriculum, students will not only gain insights into India's military history but also absorb important life lessons on resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and the importance of contributing to nation-building, the release said.
As part of efforts to establish the National War Memorial (NWM) as a prominent national landmark, the Ministry of Defence has partnered with the Ministry of Education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to integrate NWM and related references into the school curriculum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the National War Memorial to the nation on 25 February 2019, located in the iconic Central Vista 'C' Hexagon, India Gate, New Delhi.
The Memorial was established to inculcate a sense of patriotism, high moral values, sacrifice, national spirit, and belongingness among all citizens, while serving as a befitting tribute to our brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great initiative but why only in Urdu and English? These chapters should be translated to all regional languages so every Indian student can learn about these bravehearts.
My grandfather served with Major Somnath Sharma's unit. Tears in my eyes seeing his story being taught to new generations. These men are the true role models, not film stars!
As an expat teacher in Delhi, I'm impressed by this move. Learning about Brigadier Usman's sacrifice will help students understand India's diverse military heritage beyond religious lines.
Good step but NCERT should ensure these chapters aren't reduced to mere rote learning. Need interactive methods - maybe visits to National War Memorial or veteran interactions.
Inclusion of both Hindu and Muslim war heroes shows India's true secular fabric. My children will learn that bravery has no religion. 👠Hope they add more women warriors too!
Interesting to see India highlighting its military history in education. In Western countries, we tend to focus more on political history. This could inspire more youth to consider armed forces.
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