For effective revision, students can use BSE Odisha Class 8 English Solutions Chapter 4 A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Question Answer to practice textbook exercises.
Class 8 English A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Question Answer
Class 8 English Chapter 4 Question Answer Odia Medium
Let us do these activities before we read
(ଚାଲ ପଢ଼ିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ କରିବା
I. Work in pairs. Share your thoughts with you classmates and teacher.
(ଦୁଇଜଣିଆ ଦଳରେ କାମ କର । ତୁମ ଚିନ୍ତାଧାରାକୁ ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
(i) What images come to you when you think of our Republic Day of Jan 26 Parade in New Delhi ?
(ଯେତେବେଳେ ତୁମେ ସାଧାରଣତନ୍ତ୍ର ଦିବସ ଜାନୁଆରୀ ୨୬ ର ନୂଆଦିଲ୍ଲୀର ପ୍ୟାରେଡ଼ ବିଷୟରେ ଚିନ୍ତାକର ସେତେବେଳେ ତୁମ ମନରେ କେଉଁ ଧାରଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ?)
Answer:
I think the Republic Day parade on 26th January is a grand show and full of self-identity. The Parade reflects the strength and courage of Indian armed forces. It reminds how the Indian Constitution came into force. Parade is held at Rajpath, New Delhi to celebrate the event, The President of India hoists the National flag.
(ii) Who takes salute on this day there ?
Answer:
The President of India who is the supreme commander of the armed forces takes the military salute on the Republic Day.
(iii) What military equipment are displayed ?
Answer:
The military equipment displayed on 26 January Rupublic Day includes:
- Missile systems: The Brahmos missile.
- Armed fighting vehicles: T-90 Bhishma tank, Arjun Battle Tank etc.
- Artillery stems: Artillery gun, Dhanus gun, Drones, MIG-29, Fighter Jets, Apache helicopters and Prachand Light Combat Helicopters.
II. Work in groups of four and discuss.
(ଚାରିଜଣିଆ ଜଳରେ କାମ କର ଓ ଆଲୋଚନା କର ।)
Question 1.
What bravery awards are given to our soldiers on this day?
(ଏହିଦିନ କେଉଁ ସାହସିକତା ପୁରସ୍କାର ଆମର ସୈନିକମାନଙ୍କୁ ଦିଆଯାଏ ?)
Answer:
The bravery awards like Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra are given to the soldiers by the President of India.
Question 2.
Who receives the awards ?
(କିଏ ପୁରସ୍କାର ଗ୍ରହଣ କରନ୍ତି ?)
Answer:
On Republic Day India honours with prestigious awards to the soldiers, the police and the firemen. They receive the awards.
Question 3.
Can you recall any soldier from Odisha receiving any award for his great work in Indian army?
(ଭାରତୀୟ ଆର୍ମିରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶାର କୌଣସି ସୈନିକ ପୁରସ୍କାର ପାଇବା ତୁମେ ମନେପକାଇ ପାରିବ ?
Answer:
Major Prabhanjan Padhi an army officer from Odisha was awarded ‘Sena Medal’ by the President on Army day 2024.
Question 4.
Discuss the qualities of a soldier.
বচ্জ 6ইत्रेокจ ঘুজাপ্লি খারোপ্নি। জর
Answer:
A soldier should have courage, discipline, loyalty to the nation. He should be ready to sacrifice his life for the honour of the country.
Let us discuss
(ଚାଲ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିବା):
I. Arrange the following events in chronological order. The first and the last events have been marked for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
(ନିମ୍ନରେ ଦିଆଯାଇଥବା ଘଟଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ କ୍ରମାନ୍ୱୟରେ ସଜାଇ ଦିଅ । ପ୍ରଥମ ଘଟଣା ଓ ଶେଷ ଘଟଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ତୁମମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଚିହ୍ନଟ କରାଯାଇଛି । ତୁମର ଉତ୍ତରଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଶ୍ରେଣୀସାଥୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଆଲୋଚନା କର ।)
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.
3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.
6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)
Answer:
1. Major Somnath Sharma was born in 1923 in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. (1)
4. Major Somnath Sharma underwent training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
6. Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942.
3. The D Company, under the command of Major Somnath Sharma, was flown into Srinagar.
5. Major Somnath Sharma requested air strikes to combat the enemy at Badgam.
7. Major Somnath Sharma was killed immediately after a mortar shell hit him.
2. Even after losing Major Somnath Sharma, the soldiers fought bravely to save Srinagar for India.
8. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. (8)
Let us think and reflect
(ଆସ ଚିନ୍ତା କରିବା ଓ ବିଚାର କରିବା):
I. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
(ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଉଦ୍ଧୃତାଂଶଟିକୁ ପଢ଼ ଓ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
1. 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.
(i) What do you understand about the conditions from the line: “The air was thick with gunfire…’
(‘ଗୁଳିଚାଳନାରେ ବାୟୁମଣ୍ଡଳ ବହଳିଆ ହୋଇଥିଲା’ । ଏହି ଧାଡ଼ିରୁ ତୁମେ ସେତେବେଳେ କି ଅବସ୍ଥା ଥିଲା ବୁଝିପାରୁଛ ?)
A. The gunshots had stopped for a while.
B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
C. The invaders were retreating from the fight.
D. The Indian soldiers had achieved victory.
Answer:
B. There was intense fighting on the battlefield.
(ii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason.
(ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କାରଣ ସହ ବାକ୍ୟ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
Despite heavy casualties, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because ………..
Answer:
Despite heavy casualities, Major Somnath Sharma continued to lead his men because he knew his bravery would keep his soldiers fightings. Even when hurt, he wanted to protect his country and help his team stay strong against the enemies.
(iii) Select the correct option for both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) given below:
(ନିମ୍ନରେ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ Assertion (A) ଓ Reason (R) ପାଇଁ ସଠିକ୍ ବିକଳ୍ପ ଚୟନ କର ।)
(A): Major Somnath Sharma moved fearlessly through the battlefield, even though he was injured.
(R): He believed his courage was important to motivate the soldiers.
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Answer:
A. Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(iv) Fill in the blank with the correct word from those given in the brackets:
(ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ଯରୁ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ଶବ୍ଦ ଅଛି ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
Major Somnath Sharma was filling magazines, and encouraging his men to hold their ground despite (injuries/worry)
Answer:
injuries
2. Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dadh in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father; Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation. with distinction, and young Somnath was deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather.
(i) What can be inferred about Somnath Sharma’s early influences on his career?
(ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ବୃତ୍ତି ଉପରେ ପ୍ରାରମ୍ଭିକ ପ୍ରଭାବ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧରେ କ’ଣ ଅନୁମିତ ହୁଏ ?)
A. He was primarily influenced by his father’s achievements in the military.
B. His inspiration came solely from the tales of the Mahabharata.
C. His family and heritage inspired his bravery and sense of duty.
D. He decided to join the military out of necessity rather than passion.
Answer:
A. He was primarily influenced by his father’s achievements in the military.
(ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖ୍ ବାକ୍ୟଟି ସତ୍ୟ କିମ୍ବା ମିଥ୍ୟା ଚିହ୍ନଟ କର ।)
Somnath Sharma belonged to a wealthy family.
Answer:
True
(iii) What does the phrase ‘served the nation with distinction’ tell us about Major General Amar Nath Sharma ?
(4° ‘served the nation with distinction’ ଆଗକୁ ମେଜର ଜେନେରାଲ ଅମର ନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ କ’ଣ କହୁଛି ?)
(He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence./He was highly respected for his contributions to the country.)
Answer:
He performed his duties with exceptional dedication, honour, and excellence
(iv) Replace the underlined phrase with a word from the extract that has a similar meaning.
(ରେଖାଙ୍କିତ ବାକ୍ୟାଶକୁ ସମାନ ଅର୍ଥ ଥିବା ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରେ ଏକ ଶବ୍ଦଦ୍ୱାରା ବଦଳାଅ ।)
My family and I visited a popular hill station and stayed in an old but visually charming house surrounded by trees.
Answer:
Picturesque
II. Answer the following questions.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଅ ।)
Question 1.
Why do you think Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the Battle of Badgam ?
(ତୁମେ କାହିଁକି ଭାବୁଛ ଯେ ବଡ଼ଗାମ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ସମୟରେ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ନେତୃତ୍ଵ ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଥିଲା ?)
Answer:
Major Somnath’s leadership was critical during the battle of Badgam because he remained calm under pressure and inspired his men to fight bravely. He also made strategic decisions such as requesting air strikes. Though he was injured, he helped his troops by filling magazines. His leaderlship delayed the enemies giving time for reinforcements to arrive and protect Srinagar.
Question 2.
What were Major Somnath’s last words? What do they reflect about his sense of duty ?
(ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କର ଅନ୍ତିମ ବାର୍ତ୍ତା କ’ଣ ଥିଲା ? ସେଗୁଡ଼ିକ ତାଙ୍କ କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟଜ୍ଞାନ ବିଷୟରେ କି ସୂଚନା ଦେଉଛି ?)
Answer:
Major Somnath’s last words were, “The enemy is only fifty yards from us. We are heavily outunmbered . We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch, but will fight to the last man and the last round.”
Question 3.
These words reflect his promise to his mission and eagerness to protect his country. There words show his deep loyalty, bravery and ideal leadership. What might have been the outcome of the Battle of Badgam if Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground?
(ଯଦି ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ସୈନ୍ୟଦଳ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଭୂମିକୁ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଦେଇ ନଥାନ୍ତେ ତେବେ ବଡ଼ଗାମ ଯୁଦ୍ଧର ପରିଣତି କ’ଣ ହୋଇଥା’ନ୍ତା ?)
Answer:
If Major Somnath and his company had not held their ground during the battle of Badgam, the enemies might have captured the Srinagar Airport and the Kashmir valley. That could have been a major loss for India. They hold their position, his company gave enough time for reinforcements to arrive. Without their brave stand, Kashmir might have fallen to the enemy’s hand.
Question 4.
Why do you think Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire soldiers and civilians today ?
(ତୁମେ କାହିଁକି ଭାବୁଛ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ କାହାଣୀ ଆଜିମଧ୍ୟ ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ଓ ସାଧାରଣ ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ଦେବ ?)
Answer:
Major Somnath’s story continues to inspire the soldiers and civilians today because his story shows courage, selflessness and love for the country. Being injured, he chose to fight bravely and lead his men. His courage and loyalty are a powerful example of patriotism for all the generations to come.
Question 5.
How can the values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma-courage, duty, and self-sacrifice – be applied in our daily lives?
(ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶିତ ସାହସ, କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟ, ଆୟୋତ୍ସର୍ଗ ଭଳି ମୂଲ୍ୟବୋଧ ଆମର ଦୈନିକ ଜୀବନରେ କିପରି ପ୍ରୟୋଗ ହୋଇପାରିବ ?)
Answer:
The values demonstrated by Major Somnath Sharma courage, duty and self sacrifice – can be used in our daily lives in many ways. We can be brave by standing up by what is right. We can take our responsibilities and can think about others.
Let us learn:
I. Match the expressions from the text in Column 1 with the most suitable situations given in Column 2.
(ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ–୧ ରେ ଥିବା ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟର ଉକ୍ତିଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ-୨ ରେ ଥିବା ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. Fight to the last man | (ii) The soldiers fought valiantly until each one laid down his life for the nation. |
| 2. Foil the plan | (iv) A spy disrupts the enemy’s efforts to invade a country by intercepting their communications. |
| 3. Deliver a blow | (i) A sports team scores a last-minute goal, giving them the lead and shaking the opponent’s confidence. |
| 4. Hold their ground | (iii) Soldiers stay in their position and fight back, even though the enemy is stronger. |
(iii) Now, complete the following sentences using the expressions from Column – 1
(ଏବେ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ–୧ ରେ ଥିବା ଅଭିବ୍ୟକ୍ତିକୁ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କର ।)
A. The detective managed to by finding the hidden evidence before the culprit could get rid of it.
Answer: foil the pain (ଯନ୍ତ୍ରଣାକୁ ବିଫଳ କରିବା)
B. The company’s new advertising campaign was meant to sales.
Answer: deliver a blow
C. The hikers chose to ……….. despite the heavy rain, refusing to turn back on their journey.
Answer: hold their ground (ନିଜସ୍ଥାନରେ ଅଟଳ ରହିବା)
D. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the soldiers vowed to defend their homeland and, refusing to surrender to the enemy forces.
Answer: fight to the last man (ଶେଷ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଥିବା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଲଢ଼ିବା)
II. Read the highlighted words in the following sentence from the text.
(ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟର ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟରେ କଳା ଅକ୍ଷରରେ ଲିଖୁତ ଶବ୍ଦକୁ ପଢ଼ ।)
A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was air-lifted into Srinagar… There are many such collective nouns used in the context of armed forces. Match the Collective nouns in Column 1 to their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.
(ସଶସ୍ତ୍ର ସୈନ୍ୟବାହିନୀ ପରିପ୍ରେକ୍ଷୀରେ ଏହିଭଳି ଅନେକ collective nouns ଅଛି । ଏବେ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୧’ ରେ ଥିବା collective noun ଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୨’ ରେ ଥିବା ଏହାର ଅର୍ଥ ସହ ମିଳାଅ ।
Answer:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. regiment | (ii) a permanent unit of an army typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel/colonel and divided into several companies |
| 2. squadron | (iii) a small unit, typically comprising 12-24 aircrafts and their crews used in air force, naval, or army aviation services. |
| 3. fleet | (iv) a group of ships sailing together, engaged in the same activity, or under the same ownership |
| 4. battalion | (i) a large body of troops ready for battle, especially an infantry unit |
Now, fill in the blanks suitably with words from Column 1 in the table.
(ଏବେ ସାରଣୀରେ ଥିବା ସ୍ତମ୍ଭ ‘୧’ର ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ନେଇ ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
A. The commanding officer addressed the entire ………….. of morning assembly
Answer: regiment (ସେନାବାହିନୀର ଏକ ଅଂଶ)
B. The admiral ordered the entire____ of to set sail for battle.
Answer: fleet
C. The ______ of infantry advanced slowly through the dense forest.
Answer: battalion
D. A_____ of fighter jets was sent to intercept the enemy planes.
Answer: squadron
III. Read the following words from the text and fill in the blanks with the correct words by taking clues from the meanings given below in the box.
(ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରୁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପଢ଼ ନିମ୍ନପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ଅର୍ଥଗୁଡ଼ିକର ସୂଚନାକୁ ପଢ଼ି ଠିକ୍ ଶବ୍ଦ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରି ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
Meanings:
1. To take and seize control:……………..
Answer: overthrow
2. To invade or occupy an area in large numbers : ……………..
Answer: overrun (ସୀମା ଟପିଯିବା)
3. To flood or overpower someone or something emotionally :……………..
Answer:
overwhelm (ଅଭିଭୂତ କରିବା ବା ଭାରାକ୍ରାନ୍ତ କରିବା)
Now, create a list of at least five other verbs that begin with ‘over’ and frame sentences of your own.
(ଏବେ ଅତି କମ୍ରେ ପାଞ୍ଚଟି ‘Over’ରେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ପାଞ୍ଚଟି କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ତିଆରି କର ଓ ତୁମ ନିଜ ବାକ୍ୟ ଗଠନ କର ।)
1. Overcome: He was trying to overcome his fear of darkness.
2. Overdo: You shouldn’t overdo it.
3. Overlook: If you overlook a fact, you ignore it.
4. Overrule: The judgement was overluled by the Suprime Court.
5. Overwork Farmers in Chaina overwork the soil.
IV. In the following pairs of words, ‘c’ is used for nouns, while ‘s’ is used for verbs.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ଯୁଗ୍ମ ଶବ୍ଦରେ ‘c’ ବିଶେଷ୍ୟ ପଦପାଇଁ ଓ ‘s’ କ୍ରିୟା ପଦପାଇଁ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇଅଛି ।)
- advice (noun) and advise (verb)
- practice (noun) and practise (verb)
- device (noun) and devise (verb)
- council (noun) and counsel (verb)
Now, fill in the blanks correctly with the words given in the brackets.
(ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ନେଇ ଠିକ୍ ଭାବରେ ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
1. The teacher’s (i) _______ is always helpful, and she continues to (ii) their career choices. (advice/advise)
Answer:
(i) advice
(ii) advise
2. The musician believes that daily (i) ………………. helps a lot, so she is always ready to
(ii) ______ her harmonium lessons. (practice/practise)
Answer:
(i) practice
(ii) practise
3. The scientist uses a strange (i) _____ for experiments and plans to (ii) new _____ methods for his analysis. (device/devise)
Answer:
(i) device
(ii) devise
4. The village (i) ………………. met to discuss issues and decided to (ii) …………… the villagers on important matters. (council/counsel)
Answer:(i)
V. Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.
(ତୁମ ପାଠ୍ୟ ବିଷୟରୁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିରେ ଥିବା କଳାଅକ୍ଷର ଚିହ୍ନିତ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ପଢ଼ ।)
- …… ended with echoes of courage that serve as an inspiration…
- A contingent of troops posted to Jammu and Kashmir was airlifted into Srinagar…
- D Company with 90 soldiers was the last and they were expected to return by 2:00 p.m.
The life and sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma embody the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism. The highlighted words are either singular verbs or plural verbs. They are in agreement with the subject of the sentence. They take a singular verb when referring to the group as a whole, but plural when refering to the individual member. This is called Subject-Verb Agreement.
(ହାଇଲାଇଟେଡ଼ ଶବ୍ଦଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଏକ ବଚନାନ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ କିମ୍ବା ବହୁ ବଚନାନ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ରହିଛି । ଏଗୁଡ଼ିକ ବାକ୍ୟର କର୍ତ୍ତା (subject) ସହିତ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧିତ ଅଛନ୍ତି । ସମଗ୍ର ଗ୍ରୁପ୍ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ବଚନାନ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟା ରହିଛି କିନ୍ତୁ ବହୁବଚନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ପାଇଁ ବହୁବଚନ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବ୍ୟବହୃତ ହୋଇଛି । ଏହାକୁ Subject verb agreement କୁହାଯାଏ ।)
Now, fill in the blanks for the following sentences by choosing the correct verb given within brackets.
(ଏବେ ବନ୍ଧନୀ ମଧ୍ଯରୁ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ କ୍ରିୟାପଦ ବାଛି ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର ।)
1. The bouquet of flowers …………(is/are) beautiful.
2. Neither the teacher nor the students …………(was/were) aware of the change in the schedule.
3. Each of the participants …………(has/have) submitted their projects on time.
4. The data collected by the researchers …………(shows/show) significant trends.
5. One of the players …………(was/were) injured during the match.
6. Either the children or their guardian …………(has/have) to attend the meeting.
7. A pair of shoes …………(is/are) missing from the rack.
8. Neither of the statements …………(is/are) true.
9. The members of the jury …………(has deliver/have delivered) their verdict to the court.
10. Mathematics …………(is/are) an interesting subject for many students.
Answer:
1. is
2. were
3. has
4. show
5. was
6. has
7. is.
8. is
9. have delivered
10. is
VI. Read the following passage and correct the incorrect usage of verbs. One example has been done for you.
(ନିମ୍ନଲିଖୂତ ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦକୁ ପଢ଼ ଏବଂ କ୍ରିୟାପଦର ଭୁଲ ବ୍ୟବହାରକୁ ସଂଶୋଧନ କର । ଗୋଟିଏ ଉଦାହରଣ ତୁମ ପାଇଁ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି ।)
A battalion of soldiers stand at attention as the National flag are raised.
A battalion of soldiers stands at attention as the National flag is raised.
Each soldier salute with pride while the commander and his assistants inspects the parade.
The sound of marching feet echo through the air as a group of cadets prepare for their drill.
Meanwhile, a convoy of military vehicles pass by, drawing cheers from the gathered crowd.
Answer:
incorrect — correction
salute — salutes
inspects — inspect
prepare — prepares
pass by — passes by
Let us listen (ଆସ ଶୁଣିବା) :
You will listen to a talk about the Param Vir Chakra. As you listen, complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with one or two exact words or phrases you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 98)
(ତୁମେମାନେ Param Vir Chakra ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧରେ ଏକ ବାର୍ତ୍ତାଳାପ ଶୁଣିବ । ଶୁଣିବା ସମୟରେ, ଅବିକଳ ଗୋଟିଏ କିମ୍ବା ଦୁଇଟି ଶବ୍ଦ କିମ୍ବା ବାକ୍ୟାଶଦ୍ଵାରା ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକର ଶୂନ୍ୟସ୍ଥାନ ପୂରଣ କର । ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ Transcript ପୃଷ୍ଠା ୯୮ରେ ଅଛି ।)
1. The Param Vir Chakra signifies the ‘Wheel of the Ultimate _______
Answer: Brave
2. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded to someone who shows exemplary bravery while fighting with the _______
Answer: enemy
3. The Param Vir Chakra was introduced as a Gallantry Medal in 1947 by the _______
Answer: President of India
4. The design of the Param Vir Chakra is inspired by Sage Dadhichi, who was _______
Answer: Vedicrishi
5. The state emblem in the centre of the Param Vir Chakra is surrounded by the Vajra and _______
Answer: Lotus flowers weapon
Let us speak (ଆସ କହିବା) :
As the citizens of a nation, we all must fulfil our duty. In groups of 4-5, speak about how you propose to serve your nation.
(ଦେଶର ନାଗରିକ ରୂପେ ଆମେ ନିଶ୍ଚୟ ଆମର କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟ ସଂପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କରିବାକୁ ହେବ । ୪ ରୁ ୫ ଜଣିଆ ଗ୍ରୁପ୍ରେ ତୁମେ କିପରି ଦେଶର ସେବା କରିବାର ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟ ରଖୁଛି କୁହ ।)
You may use the sentence’ prompts given below to organise what you speak about.
(ତୁମେ ଯାହା କହିବାକୁ ସ୍ଥିର କରିଛ ସେଥିପାଇଁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖତ ବାକ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଚୟନ କରିପାରିବ ।)
“I believe one of the best ways to serve the nation is by…
A small change we can make is… and it will have a big impact because…
If everyone contributes by…, it can lead to…..
One of the biggest challenges we face is… and I propose we address it by…
We can make a difference by working together as a team, if we…
Serving the nation is not just about big actions; even small efforts like… matter.
You can choose from the themes given below :
(ନିମ୍ନ ପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁକୁ ତୁମେ ଚୟନ କରିପାରିବ ।)
Saving the Environment (ପରିବେଶ ସୁରକ୍ଷା) :
We believe one of the best ways to serve our motherland by saving the environment. The small charge that we can make is planting a lot of trees. It will have a big impact because it will keep the environment clean and fresh. If everyone contributes by throwing waste meterials in dustbins it can make a healthy and greener nation, One of the biggest challenges we face today is pollution and it will have a big impact on everyone.
I propose we can make a difference by using public transport instead of using personal vehicles which contribute pollutants into the environment. We should work as a team. Saving the nation is not just about big actions; even small efforts like preferring reusable bags. Let’s adopt a lifestyle which preserves our planet, ensuring safe and joyful lives for evryone.
Health and Well-being:
I believe one of the best ways to serve the nation by keeping health fit. A small change we can make is eating healthy food and taking care of our health, It will have a big impact because it keeps us strong and happy.
If everyone contributes by keeping their houses and surroundings clean, it can lead to a heal their nation. One of the biggest challenges we face in growing population. Many people eat contaminated food and polluted water. I propose we address it by spreading awareness about health and cleanliness.
Helping Others:
I believe one of the ways to serve the nation is by helping others. A small change we can make is sharing things to the people who are in need. It will have a big impact because it will bring unity and happiness among people. If everyone contributes by being helpful, it can lead to a peaceful nation. One of the biggest challenges we face today is people being selfish and indifferent to others. I propose we address it by telling everyone to help others. We can make a difference by working together as a team if we organise help groups. Serving the nation is not just about by actions even small efforts like helping a neighbour in need matter.
Righteous Conduct (ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ବ୍ୟବହାର):
I believe one of the best ways to serve the nation by doing honest things. A small change we can make is being honest and doing right action. It will have a big impact because it invites integreaty among people. If everyone contributes by being kind, truthful, it can lead to personal peace, strengthens character and promotes social harmony. It connects individual to divine purpose. It also hels build a society without corruption and conflict. Righteousness is regarded as a way to a higher spiritual state.
Maintaining Cleanliness:
I believe one of the best way to serve the nation is by maintaining cleanliness. A small change we can make is creating healthy environment, It will have a big impact because it keeps our air clean and the earth healthy. If everyone contributes by throwing their wastage in dustbins, it can lead a cleaner and beautiful country. One of the biggest challenges we face is pollution. I propose we address it by saying no plastic we can make a difference by working together.
Let us write (ଚାଲ ଲେଖୁବା)
A letter of enquiry is a formal letter written to seek detailed information about something the writer wants to know. For example, it can be used for joining a course, organising an event, knowing details about a trip, etc. The language used is formal and specific, with relevant queries. Now, write a letter of enquiry. Your school wishes to organise a visit to a Memorial in your state/region. Write the letter to the incharge of that memorial requesting for information regarding available dates for visits, the duration of the tour, any entry fees, and guidelines for student groups.
(ଏବେ ଏକ ଅନୁସନ୍ଧାନମୂଳକ ପତ୍ର ଲେଖ । ତୁମ ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ ତୁମ ରାଜ୍ୟର ଏକ ସ୍ମାରକସ୍ଥଳ ପରିଦର୍ଶନ ପାଇଁ ଇଚ୍ଛୁକ ଅଛି । ପରିଦର୍ଶନ ପାଇଁ ତାରିଖ, ଭ୍ରମଣ ସମୟ ଅବଧୂ, କୌଣସି ପ୍ରବେଶ ଶବ୍ଦ, ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀ ଦଳ ପାଇଁ ନିୟମାବଳୀ ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧରେ ତଥ୍ୟ ଦେବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରି ସ୍ମାରକସ୍ଥଳର ତତ୍ତ୍ଵାବଧାରକଙ୍କ ନିକଟକୁ ଏକ ପତ୍ର ଲେଖ ।)
- Follow the given layout. (ନିମ୍ନ ରୂପରେଖ ଅନୁସରଣ କର ।)
- Use the cues given below to draft the letter. (ପତ୍ର ଲିଖନ ପାଇଁ ନିମ୍ନପ୍ରଦତ୍ତ ସୂଚନା ବ୍ୟବହାର କର ।)
(Sender’s address)
(Date) (ତାରିଖ)
(Receiver’s address)
Subject: Enquiry about a School Visit to a Memorial
Dear Sir,
(Body of the letter) (ଚିଠିର ମୁଖ୍ୟଭାଗ)
Yours faithfully, (Name)
ଆପଣଙ୍କର ବିଶ୍ଵସ୍ତ, (ନାମ)
Answer:
| 85 Green Valley School Rourkela Sundargarh 20 May 2026 Sub : Enquiry about a school visit the memorial Dear Sir, This is to enquire about our school planning to organise an educational visit to the Netaji Birth Place Memorial on the Republic Day. I should be grateful if you could provide us with information regarding the available dates for visit. Then we intend to plan our trip accordingly. Additionally kindly let us know the duration of the tour, if there is any entry fee for the students and if there are any specific guidelines to follow during the visit. The information will help us in making the necessary arrangements.We look forward to your guidance and support for making this trip meaningful. Thanking you |
Let us explore (ଆସ ଅନ୍ଵେଷଣ କରିବା) :
Out of twenty-one PVC awardees, Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of the PVC, and Captain Vikram Batra was the last recipient of the PVC, the highest gallantry award. Captain Vikram Batra, is popularly remembered as the “Shershah of Kargil”. His iconic success signal was ‘Yeh Dil Mange More’. Captain Vikram Batra, the D Company commander was tasked to capture Point 5140 on 20 June 1999, which he did with exemplary courage.
After Point 5140 was captured, 13 JAK RIF was tasked to capture Point 4875. On 07 July 1999, Captain Batra led the assault from the front and engaged in a physical fight with the enemy. He killed five enemy soldiers at point blank range and himself sustained serious injuries. Despite his injuries, his dauntless determination inspired his men to clear the enemy from a dominating position. Later, he succumbed to his injuries. His fearless determination and leadership encouraged his company men to avenge his death and finally captured Point 4875.
His inspiring leadership, dedication to duty, and steadfast love for his country continue to be an inspiration for the younger generation. He attended the call of duty with absolute disregard for his personal safety. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, (Posthumously).
II. Gallantry awards in India are given to military personnel and others for displaying extraordinary courage in the line of duty.
Some of the gallantry awards in India are:
- Param Vir Chakra: The highest military award in India, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.
- Maha Vir Chakra: The second-highest military award in India, awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
- Vir Chakra: Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
Find out more about gallantry awards. (ଅଧ୍ବକ ବୀରତ୍ଵ ପୁରସ୍କାର ସମ୍ବନ୍ଧରେ ଅନୁସନ୍ଧାନ କର ।)
Answer:
Some other gallentry awards of India are :
Ashok Chakra: Highest peace time gallantry award for most conspicious bravery from the battle field.
Vir Chakra: the third war time gallantry award
Kirti Chakra: The second highest peace time gallantry award.
Shaurya Chakra: The third highest peacetime gallantry award.
III. The Indian government has been steadfast in its initiatives to boost the representation of women in the Indian Armed Forces. These women have been serving the nation selflessly and with pride. Find out the key roles of women in the Indian Army. Share the information with your classmates and teacher. (ଭାରତୀୟ ସୈନ୍ୟବାହିନୀରେ ମହିଳାମାନଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତିନିଧୁତ୍ଵ ବୃଦ୍ଧି ପାଇଁ ଭାରତ ସରକାର ଦୃଢ଼ ପଦକ୍ଷେପ ନେଉଛନ୍ତି । ସେହି ମହିଳାମାନେ ଗର୍ବର ସହିତ ନିଃସ୍ୱାର୍ଥପରଭାବେ ଦେଶର ସେବା କରୁଛନ୍ତି । ଭାରତୀୟ ସୈନ୍ୟବାହିନୀରେ ମହିଳାମାନଙ୍କ ମୁଖ୍ୟଭୂମିକା ଅନୁସନ୍ଧାନ କର । ତଥ୍ୟଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
Answer:
Some notable women in Indian Armed force:
1. On 27 August 1976 Gertrude Alice Ram became the first female officer in Indian Army to attain the rank of Major General.
2. In 1992 Alka Khurana Sharma joined the Indian Army and served ten years.
3. In 2000 Mitali Madhusmita, Lieutenant Colonel was the first woman officer who received the Sena Medal in 2011.
4. Captain Swati Singh was the first woman to be deployed at Nathu La Pass as a Signal in charge.
5. Madhuri Kanitkar became woman officer in Indian Army.
6. Dr. Barbara Ghosh became the first woman officer in the Indian Navy to reach the second highest rank of Lieutenant General.
7. Avani Chaturvedi, Mohana Singh Jitarwal and Bhawana Kanth became the first three female fighter pilots.
IV. Veer Surendra Sai
Veer Surendra Sai, an Indian revolutionary and a great freedom fighter from Sambalpur, Odisha He made significant contribution to the Indian Independence struggle through his prolonged and tenacious resistance against British colonial rule, particularly in the Sambalpur region. He also fought for the indigenous people and against the imposit in of British administrative and land revenue system. His efforts significantly delayed British control over western Odisha.
He is hounoured in Odisha through institutions like the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSU) and hospitals named after him. He is also recognised with a postal stamp in his honour and a statue installed at the premises of the Parliament of India. His bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom have earned him the title “Veer” (brave) and made him a folk hero of Odisha.
V. Make a list of the patriotic songs in any language, including songs from your region. Share the songs with your classmates and teacher.
(ତୁମ ଅଞ୍ଚଳର ଦେଶପ୍ରେମ ଗୀତ ସହିତ ଅନ୍ୟ କୌଣସି ଭାଷାରେ ଦେଶପ୍ରେମ ସଙ୍ଗୀତର ଏକ ତାଲିକା କର । ଗୀତଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ତୁମର ସହପାଠୀ ଓ ଶିକ୍ଷକଙ୍କ ସହ ବିନିମୟ କର ।)
Answer:
A list of patriotic songs:
- Sundara Mo Desha
- Tuhi Maa Janama Bhumi
- Ame Odia Ama desha Bharat
- Aei Desha Aei Mati
- Vande Mataram
- Saare Jahan Se Aachha
- Dil Diya Hai Jaan Bhi Denge
- Aisa Des Hai Mera
- Jana Gana Mana
- Jai Hindustani
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Class 8 Summary
Let us read (ଆସ ପଢ଼ିବା):
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.
ଏହି ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଞ୍ଜଳି ବୀର ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ, ଯିଏକି ଭାରତର ପ୍ରଥମ ପରମବୀର ଚକ୍ର ସମ୍ମାନ ପାଇଥିଲେ, ଯାହାଙ୍କର ନାମ ଇତିହାସ ପୃଷ୍ଠାରେ ଲିପିବଦ୍ଧ । ତାଙ୍କର ସାହସିକତା ଏବଂ ବଳିଦାନ ଏକ ଜ୍ୱଳନ୍ତ ମଶାଲ ରୂପେ ଠିଆ ହୋଇଛି, ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ଦେବାପାଇଁ । ଦେଶପ୍ରେମର ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ବିଭାଗରେ – ଜାତୀୟ ସମର ସ୍ମୃତିରେ, ହୃତ୍ତନ୍ତ୍ରୀରେ କମ୍ପନ ସୃଷ୍ଟିକାରୀ ଦେଶପ୍ରେମୀ ସଙ୍ଗୀତଗୁଡ଼ିକରେ କିମ୍ବା ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତାର ଅମୃତ ମହୋତ୍ସବ ପାଳନରେ ତାଙ୍କର ବୀରତ୍ଵର ସ୍ମୃତିକୁ ସମ୍ମାନିତ କରାଯାଏ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ସାହସ ଓ ତ୍ୟାଗ ଦେଶବାସୀଙ୍କ ମନରେ ଚିରଦିନ ଅମର ରହିଛି; ଦେଶର ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତା ପାଇଁ ତାଙ୍କୁ ବହୁମୂଲ୍ୟ ଦେବାକୁ ପଡ଼ିଛି, ଏହା ଆମର ମନେପକାଇ ଦେଉଛି ।
The serene Kashmir valley in the shadows of the majestic Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and 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.
ଶାନ୍ତ କାଶ୍ମୀର ଉପତ୍ୟକା, ରାଜକୀୟ ହିମାଳୟର ଛାୟାତଳେ ଏହି ଅସାଧାରଣ ବୀରତ୍ଵ ଓ ବଳିଦାନର କାହାଣୀ ଭାରତୀୟ ସୀମା ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଓ ଏକତା ବଜାୟ ରଖୁବାର ମୂକସାକ୍ଷୀ । ନଭେମ୍ବର ମାସର ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟୋଦୟର ନୀରବତା ମଧ୍ଯରେ ଦିନର ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିଲା । କିନ୍ତୁ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଥିଲା ଅସାଧାରଣ ସାହସର ପ୍ରତିଧ୍ଵନିରେ, ଯାହା ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ଯୋଗାଇବ ।
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.
ଏହା ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମା ଏବଂ ସାହସୀ ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କଦ୍ଵାରା ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ବିମାନ ବନ୍ଦରକୁ ପାକିସ୍ତାନ ତାଲିମ୍ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ଓ ସାହାଯ୍ୟପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ଗରିଲା ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ କବଳରୁ ରକ୍ଷା କରିବାର ଏକ ମିଶନ ଥିଲା । ଏହି କାହାଣୀରେ ଭାରତର ୯୦ ଜଣ ସୈନିକ, ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ଓ କାଶ୍ମୀର ଉପତ୍ୟକା ଅଧିକାର କରିବାକୁ ଓ ସଦ୍ୟ ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତା ପାଇଥିବା ଭାରତ ଭୂଇଁକୁ ଅଧିକାର କରିବାକୁ ଆସିଥିବା ୫୦୦ ଜଣ ଅନୁପ୍ରବେଶକାରୀଙ୍କ ଯୋଜନାକୁ କିପରି ଶକ୍ତ ଆଘାତ ଦେଇ ପଣ୍ଡ କରିଦେଇଥିଲେ ତାହା ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି ।
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.
ଘଟଣାସମୂହ ଯାହା ବଡ଼ଗାମ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ପାଇଁ ବାଟ ଫିଟାଇ ଥୁଲା 1947 ମସିହା ଅଗଷ୍ଟ ମାସରେ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥୁଲା, ଯେତେବେଳେ ପାକିସ୍ତାନ Operation Gulmarg ଆରମ୍ଭ କରି କାଶ୍ମୀର ଉପତ୍ୟକା ପାକିସ୍ତାନରେ ମିଶାଇ ଦେବାର ଯୋଜନା କରିଥିଲା । ଏହା ଜାମ୍ମୁକାଶ୍ମୀରର ମହାରାଜା ହରି ସିଂହ ଓ ପାକିସ୍ତାନ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ହୋଇଥୁବା ଚୁକ୍ତିନାମାକୁ ଉଲ୍ଲଙ୍ଘନ କରୁଥିଲା । ପାକିସ୍ତାନ ଓ ହରିସିଂହଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ହୋଇଥିବା ଚୁକ୍ତିରେ ପାକିସ୍ତାନ କାଶ୍ମୀର ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରିବ ନାହିଁ ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଇଥିଲା ।
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 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.
ଯାହାହେଉ ନିଜର ଚୁକ୍ତିନାମାକୁ ସମ୍ମାନ ଦେବା ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତେ, ପାକିସ୍ତାନରୁ ତାଲିମ୍ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ଓ ଅସ୍ତ୍ରଶସ୍ତ୍ରରେ ସୁସଜ୍ଜିତ ପ୍ରାୟ ଏକ ହଜାର ସୈନିକ ଯେଉଁମାନଙ୍କର ପାର୍ବତ୍ୟ ଗିରିପଥ ଓ ସ୍ଥାନୀୟ ସମତଳ ଦେଇ କାଶ୍ମୀରକୁ ପ୍ରବେଶ କରିବା ରାସ୍ତା ସଂପର୍କରେ ଗଭୀର ଧାରଣା ଥିଲା ଓ ସ୍ଥାନୀୟ ରଣନୀତିର ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟସ୍ଥଳଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସହିତ କାଶ୍ମୀର ବିମାନଘାଟି ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ କରିବାକୁ ପ୍ରେରଣ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା । ତାଙ୍କର ଯୋଜନା ଥୁଲା କାଶ୍ମୀରରେ ବିଦ୍ରୋହ କରି ସରକାରଙ୍କୁ ଗାଦିଚ୍ୟୁତ କରି ସେହି ଅଞ୍ଚଳକୁ ଅଧିକାର କରିବେ । ଯଦି ସେମାନେ ସଫଳ ହୋଇଥାଆନ୍ତେ, ତା’ହେଲେ ସେମାନେ କାଶ୍ମୀରର ସାମରିକ ପାର୍ବତ୍ୟ ରାସ୍ତା, ଶୃଙ୍ଗଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଏବଂ ନଦୀସମୂହକୁ ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ କରିବାକୁ ସମର୍ଥ ହୋଇଥାଆନ୍ତେ । ଅକ୍ଟୋବର ୨୨ ତାରିଖରେ ଅପରେସନ ଗୁଲମାର୍ଗ ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିଲା ଏବଂ ସେହି ଅନୁପ୍ରବେଶକାରୀମାନେ କାଶ୍ମୀର ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରିଥିଲେ ଯାହା ଫଳରେ ଅକ୍ଟୋବର ମାସ ୨୬ ତାରିଖ ୧୯୪୭ ରେ ପ୍ରିନ୍ସଲି ରାଜ୍ୟ ଭାରତର ଏକ ଅଂଶରେ ପରିଣତ ହେବାର ପଥ ସୁଗମ ହେଲା ।
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.
ଆକ୍ରମଣର ପ୍ରତିକାରରେ ଭାରତ ସରକାର ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ କାଶ୍ମୀରବାସୀଙ୍କ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ପାଇଁ ଏବଂ ଭାରତର ସୀମାନ୍ତ ଅଞ୍ଚଳ ସୁରକ୍ଷାପାଇଁ ୧୯୪୭ ମସିହା ଅକ୍ଟୋବର ମାସ ୨୭ ତାରିଖରେ ପଠାଇଲେ । ଜାମ୍ମୁ ଓ କାଶ୍ମୀରରେ ନିଯୁକ୍ତ ସୈନ୍ୟଦଳରୁ ଗୋଟିଏ ଦଳ ଆକାଶପଥରେ ଶ୍ରୀନଗରକୁ ପଠାଗଲା, କାରଣ ପଠାଣକୋଟକୁ ସ୍ଥଳପଥ ସୁଗମ ନଥିଲା ।
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.
ଅକ୍ଟୋବର ୩୦ ତାରିଖରେ the D Company କୁମାୟୁନର ଚତୁର୍ଥ ବାଟାଲିୟନକୁ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କ ତତ୍ତ୍ଵାବଧାନରେ ଆକାଶପଥରେ ଶ୍ରୀନଗରକୁ ପଠାଗଲା । ସେହି ସମୟରେ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ ବାମହାତ ପ୍ଲାଷ୍ଟର ହୋଇଥିଲା, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ତାଙ୍କର ସୈନ୍ୟଦଳ ସହିତ ଯିବା ପାଇଁ ସ୍ଥିର କଲେ । ସେ ଜାଣିଥିଲେ ତାଙ୍କର ଅଭିଯାନ ଯେ କୌଣସି ଆହ୍ୱାନର ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇପାରେ ଏବଂ ସେ ବରିଷ୍ଠ ଅଫିସରମାନଙ୍କୁ କହିଲେ, ‘ମୁଁ ଜାଣେ ମୋର ସୈନ୍ୟମାନେ ଅନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ଭଲ, ଯଦି ସେମାନେ ଆକ୍ରମଣ ପାଇଁ ଯାଉଛନ୍ତି, ମୋତେ ଛାଡ଼ିଯିବାଟା ଠିକ୍ ହେବ ନାହିଁ ।’’ ଏହି ଉକ୍ତି ତାଙ୍କର ଲୋକ ଓ ଦେଶପାଇଁ ଆଦର୍ଶପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ହୋଇଥିଲା ।
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.
ସେମାନେ ଶ୍ରୀନଗରରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିବା ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଗୁଜବ ହେଲା ଯେ ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ବିମାନଘାଟିଠାରୁ ପାଞ୍ଚ କିଲୋମିଟର ଦୂରରେ ଥିବା Badgam ଆଡ଼କୁ ଆଦିବାସୀମାନେ ମାଡ଼ି ଆସୁଛନ୍ତି । ଗ୍ରାମଟି ବିମାନ ପଡ଼ିଆଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ଉଚ୍ଚରେ ଥିଲା । ସେଠାକୁ ଯିବାପାଇଁ Badgam ଗ୍ରାମ ମଧ୍ଯରେ ଯିବାକୁ ଥିଲା । ତେଣୁ ଭାରତୀୟ ସୈନ୍ୟଦଳ ସେହି ଅଞ୍ଚଳକୁ ନିଜ ଅଧୀନରେ ରଖିବା, ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଦେବା ଓ ଆକାଶ ପରିବହନ ଚାଲୁରଖୁବାପାଇଁ ଏହା ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଥିଲା ।
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.
ବାସ୍ତବରେ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନେ Badgam ଛୋଟ ଛୋଟ ଦଳରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିବା ଆରମ୍ଭ କରି ଦେଇଥିଲେ । ନଭେମ୍ବର ୩ ତାରିଖ ୧୯୪୭ ଦିନ କେତେକ କମ୍ପାନୀ, ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଡି. କମ୍ପାନୀକୁ ଗାଁର ଭିତର ଓ ଚାରିପାଖ ଆସନ୍ନ ଧମକ ଯାଞ୍ଚ କରିବାକୁ ପଠାଗଲା । ଦିନତମାମ ଉପତ୍ୟକା ଅସ୍ଵାଭାବିକ ଭାବେ ନୀରବ ରହିଲା । ଅପରାହ୍ନକୁ କମ୍ପାନୀଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଗୋଟିଏ ପରେ ଗୋଟିଏ ଫେରିବାକୁ ଆଦେଶ ଦିଆଗଲା । ଡି. କମ୍ପାନୀ ସହିତ ୯୦ ସୈନିକ ଆଗକୁ ଥିଲେ ଓ ସେମାନେ ଦିନ ଦୁଇଟା ସୁଦ୍ଧା ଫେରିବେ ବୋଲି ଆଶା କରାଗଲା ।
When the enemy (tribal guerrilla invaders), under the command of the Pakistani army, saw that only a small group 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.
ଯେତେବେଳେ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନେ (ଗରିଲା ଅନୁପ୍ରବେଶକାରୀ) ପାକିସ୍ତାନୀ ସୈନ୍ୟ ଅଧୀନରେ ରହି ଦେଖିଲେ ଯେ କେବଳ ଗୋଟିଏ ଛୋଟ ଗ୍ରୁପ୍ରେ ଭାରତୀୟ ସୈନ୍ୟ Badgam ରେ ରହିଛନ୍ତି, ସେମାନେ ଭାରତୀୟ ସୈନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କୁ ଆକ୍ରମଣ କଲେ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ ସୈନ୍ୟମାନେ ପ୍ରଥମେ ଏହାର ଦୃଢ଼ ପ୍ରତିରୋଧ କଲେ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ା ଅନୁମାନ କଲେ ଯେ ପ୍ରଥମ ଆକ୍ରମଣ ଠିକ୍ ଗୋଟିଏ ଅନ୍ୟମନସ୍କତା ଥିଲା । କିଛି ସମୟ ପରେ ଅନ୍ୟପଟରୁ ବଡ଼ ଧରଣର ଆକ୍ରମଣ ହେଲା, ସେତେବେଳକୁ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମା ଓ ତାଙ୍କ ୯୦ ସୈନିକ ୫୦୦ ଅନୁପ୍ରବେଶକାରୀଙ୍କ ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହେବାକୁ ପଡ଼ିଲା ।
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.
ପାକିସ୍ତାନୀ ଆତଙ୍କବାଦୀମାନେ ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ବିମାନ ପଡ଼ିଆ ଓ ଚାରିପାଖ ଅଞ୍ଚଳକୁ କବ୍ଜା କରିବାର ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟ ରଖୁଥିଲେ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମା ଅନୁମାନ କଲେ ଅତିରିକ୍ତ ସୈନ୍ୟ ପହଞ୍ଚିବା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ସହର, ବିମାନ ପଡ଼ିଆ ଓ ସୁଦୀର୍ଘ ଉପତ୍ୟକା ରକ୍ଷା କରିବା ବାସ୍ତବରେ କଷ୍ଟକର ଥିଲା ।
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.
ପରିସ୍ଥିତିକୁ ଅନୁଧ୍ୟାନ କରିବା ପରେ ସେ ଆକାଶ ମାର୍ଗରୁ ଆକ୍ରମଣ ପାଇଁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କଲେ । ଆକାଶବାହିନୀକୁ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ୟସ୍ଥଳ ଦେଖାଇବା ନିମନ୍ତେ ସେ ସାହସର ସହ ଭୂପୃଷ୍ଠରେ ଫଳକସବୁ ସ୍ଥାପନ କଲେ । ଆକାଶମାର୍ଗରୁ ଆକ୍ରମଣ ଆତଙ୍କବାଦୀଙ୍କୁ ବାଧାଦେବାରେ ସଫଳ ହେଲା । ସେମାନେ ତଥାପି ଅସଂଖ୍ୟ ଥିଲେ । ଡି. କମ୍ପାନୀର ଜଣକ ପାଇଁ ସେମାନେ ସାତଜଣ ଥିଲେ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ନିଜ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ରହି ପ୍ରତି ଆକ୍ରମଣ ଚାଲୁ ରଖୁଲେ ।
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.
ବହୁ ସଂଖ୍ୟକ ସୈନ୍ୟ ଓ ଧ୍ଵଂସକାରୀ ଗୁଳିଗୋଳା ବର୍ଷଣର ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ସୈନ୍ୟମାନେ ଦୃଢ଼ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞ ରହିଲେ । କାଶ୍ମୀର ଆକାଶ ବନ୍ଧୁକ ଚାଳନାର ଓ ଯୁଦ୍ଧର ଚିତ୍କାର ଧ୍ଵନିରେ ପୂରିଗଲା । କିନ୍ତୁ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ ସ୍ଵର ଉଚ୍ଚରେ ଥିଲା ଓ ସେ ତାଙ୍କର ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କୁ ସଂକଳ୍ପ ଓ ସାହସର ସହିତ ଲଢ଼ିବାପାଇଁ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶ ଦେଲେ ।
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.
ଭୀଷଣ ମୃତାହତ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ନିଜ କ୍ଷତ ସତ୍ତ୍ବେ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମା ଅପୂର୍ବ ସାହସ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ କରିଥିଲେ । ଯୁଦ୍ଧଭୂମିରେ ସେ ନିର୍ଭୟରେ ବୁଲିଲେ, ଆକ୍ରମଣ ପାଇଁ ଆଦେଶ ଦେଲେ, ବନ୍ଧୁକଧାରୀଙ୍କ ବନ୍ଧୁକରେ ଗୁଳି ଭର୍ତିକଲେ ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଯୁଦ୍ଧଭୂମିରେ ଅଟଳ ରହିବା ପାଇଁ ଉତ୍ସାହିତ କଲେ ।
However, as the battle progressed, D Company began running out of ammunition. When Major Somnath Sharma informed Brigade headquarters about this, he was asked to pull back. Aware of the gravity of the situation, he responded with the words, “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”.
ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ଚାଲିଥିବା ସମୟରେ ଡି. କମ୍ପାନୀ ପାଖରୁ ଗୋଳାବାରୁଦ ଶେଷ ହୋଇ ଆସିଲା । ଯେତେବେଳେ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ, ବ୍ରିଗେଡ୍ ହେଡ୍କ୍ୱାଟର୍ସ ଜଣାଇଲେ, ତାଙ୍କୁ ପଛକୁ ହଟିଯିବାପାଇଁ କୁହାଗଲା । ପରିସ୍ଥିତିର ଗମ୍ଭୀରତା ଉପଲବ୍ଧି କରି, ସେ ଉତ୍ତର ଦେଇ କହିଲେ, ‘ଶତ୍ରୁ ଆମଠାରୁ ୫୦ ଗଜ ଦୂରରେ ଅଛନ୍ତି, ଆମେ ବହୁତ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ରହିଛୁ । ଆମେ ଭୀଷଣ ଗୁଳିବର୍ଷା ମଧ୍ଯରେ ଅଛୁ । ମୁଁ ଗୋଟିଏ ଇଞ୍ଚ ପଛକୁ ଯିବି ନାହିଁ ଏବଂ ଶେଷ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ଓ ଶେଷ ଆକ୍ରମଣ ଥିବା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଲଢ଼ିବୁ ।’’
Just a few minutes later, when he was crouched in a trench next to a machine gun operator, in order to help him load the gun, his position was hit by a mortar shell, killing him instantly.
ଠିକ୍ କିଛି ମିନିଟ୍ ପରେ ଯେତେବେଳେ ସେ ମେସିନ୍ନ୍ ଅପରେଟରଙ୍କ ପାଖରେ ବସିଥିଲେ, ବନ୍ଧୁକରେ ଗୁଳି ଭର୍ତ୍ତି କରୁଥିଲେ, ସେ ଗୋଟିଏ ମୋଟାର ସେଦ୍ଵାରା ଆଘାତ ପାଇଲେ ଓ ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କଲେ ।
Despite losing their Major and faced with the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, the heroic actions of late Major Somnath Sharma motivated his men to hold on to their position for over six more hours before being overrun by the enemy.
ମେଜରଙ୍କୁ ହରାଇବା ସତ୍ତ୍ୱେ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନଙ୍କ ପ୍ରାଧାନ୍ୟ ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହୋଇମଧ୍ଯ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ ଲୋକମାନେ ନିଜ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଛଅଘଣ୍ଟାରୁ ଅଧିକ ସମୟ ଅଟକି ରହିଥିଲେ ।
Their brave resistance provided time for reinforcements to arrive, including flying in soldiers from the Punjab regiment to Srinagar. The heroic deeds of Major Somnath and his men thoroughly demotivated the enemy, causing more than 300 casualties, including injuring their leader
ସେମାନଙ୍କର ବଳିଷ୍ଠ ପ୍ରତିରୋଧ ଯୋଗୁ ପଞ୍ଜାବ ରେଜିମେଣ୍ଟରୁ ଶ୍ରୀନଗରକୁ ସୈନ୍ୟ ଉଡ଼ାଣ ଓ ଅନ୍ୟାନ୍ୟ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ଉପକରଣ ପହଞ୍ଚାଇବା ନିମନ୍ତେ ସମୟ ମିଳିଲା । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ଲୋକମାନଙ୍କର ବୀରତ୍ଵପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଶତ୍ରୁମାନଙ୍କୁ ନିରୁତ୍ସାହିତ କରିଥିଲା, ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରୁ ୩୦୦ ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କରିଥିଲେ ଓ ତାଙ୍କର ନେତା ଆହତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ।
In many significant ways, D Company’s sacrifice and Major Somnath’s leadership saved Srinagar for India. The 4 KUMAON battalion was awarded the Battle Honour, Srinagar. Major Somnath laid down his life for the nation at the young age of 24. For this act of conspicuous bravery, Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). His citation reflects his heroism, patriotism, and courage. He was the first recipient of the PVC, awarded posthumously for gallantry and supreme sacrifice.
ଅନେକ ଉଲ୍ଲେଖନୀୟ ଉପାୟରେ D. Company ର ବଳିଦାନ ଏବଂ ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କର ନେତୃତ୍ଵ ଯୋଗୁ ଶ୍ରୀନଗର ଭାରତରେ ରହିପାରିଲା । 4 Kumaon ବାଟାଲିୟନ୍କୁ Battle Honour ପୁରସ୍କାର ଦିଆଗଲା । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ମାତ୍ର ୨୪ ବର୍ଷ ବୟସରେ ଦେଶପାଇଁ ଆତ୍ମବଳି ଦେଲେ । ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ପାଇଁ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କୁ ମରଣୋତ୍ତର ‘ପରମବୀର ଚକ୍ର’ ପୁରସ୍କାର ଦିଆଗଲା । ତାଙ୍କର ଉଦାହରଣ ବୀରତ୍ଵ, ଦେଶପ୍ରୀତି ଓ ସାହସ ପ୍ରତିଫଳନ କରେ । ନିଜର ପରାକ୍ରମ ଓ ଆତ୍ମବଳିଦାନ ପାଇଁ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କୁ ମରଣୋତ୍ତର ପରମବୀର ଚକ୍ର ଉପାଧ୍ ପ୍ରଦାନ କରାଯାଇଥିଲା ।
We have delved into how the events of 03 November 1947 played out. It is also worth knowing more about the early life of Major Somnath and the events that led him to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
ଆମେ ବିଶଦ ଆଲୋଚନା କଲେ କିପରି ୩ ନଭେମ୍ବର ୧୯୪୭ ଘଟଣା ଘଟିଥିଲା । ଏହା ଜାଣିବା ଯୋଗ୍ୟ ମେଜର ସେମାନାଥଙ୍କ ବାଲ୍ୟଜୀବନୀ କେଉଁ ଘଟଣାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ପାଇଁ ସେ ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ବଳିଦାନ ଦେଲେ ।
Born on 31 January 1923, in the picturesque town of Dull’ in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Somnath Sharma belonged to a family with a rich military legacy. His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, had served the nation with distinction. Young Somnath was also deeply inspired by the valorous tales of the Mahabharata, imparted to him by his grandfather.
ହିମାଚଳ ପ୍ରଦେଶର ସୁନ୍ଦର ସହର Dadh ରେ 31.1.1923 ରେ ସୋମନାଥ ଜନ୍ମଗ୍ରହଣ କରିଥିଲେ । ତାଙ୍କର ପରିବାରର ଉଚ୍ଚ ସାମରିକ ପୃଷ୍ଠଭୂମି ଥିଲା । ତାଙ୍କର ପିତା ମେଜର ଜେନେରାଲ ଅମରନାଥ ଶର୍ମା ଦେଶର ସମ୍ମାନ ପାଇଁ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲେ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ତାଙ୍କର ଜେଜେବାପାଙ୍କଠାରୁ ମହାନତାର କାହାଣୀ ଶୁଣିଥିଲେ ଓ ଗଭୀର ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ ହୋଇଥିଲେ ।
From his early education at Sherwood College, Nainital, to his rigorous training at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Major Somnath Sharma’s life was a testament to discipline and dedication. Commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942, he served with distinction during World War II in the Arakan Campaign in Burma, earning mentions in despatches for his bravery. However, it was during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947-1948, particulary in the battle of Badgam, that the legacy of Major Somnath Sharma was truly forged.
ତାଙ୍କର ଶିକ୍ଷା Sherwood College ନୈନିତାଲଠାରୁ ଜଟିଳ ତାଲିମ ପାଇଥିବାର Royal Military College, Sandhurst ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥଙ୍କ ଜୀବନ ଥିଲା ଶୃଙ୍ଖଳା ଓ ତ୍ୟାଗର ସାକ୍ଷୀ । ସେ 8th ବାଟାଲିୟନ୍ 19th Hyderabad Regiment 1942 ରେ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲେ । ଭାରତ-ପାକିସ୍ତାନ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ 1947- 1948 ମସିହାରେ Badgam ଠାରେ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ କରିଥିଲେ ।
The life and sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma embody the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism. He has been a source of inspiration for soldiers and citizens alike. Most importantly, his story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in defence of the motherland and highlights the profound sense of duty that inspired them.
ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଜୀବନ ଓ ଆତ୍ମତ୍ୟାଗ ସାକାର କରେ ତାଙ୍କର ଉଚ୍ଚ ଆଦର୍ଶର କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟବୋଧ, ସମ୍ମାନ ଓ ଦେଶପ୍ରେମ । ସେ ସୈନିକ ଓ ସାଧାରଣ ନାଗରିକମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ଏକାଭଳି ପ୍ରେରଣାର ଉତ୍ସ ଅଟନ୍ତି । ଅତି ଗୁରୁତ୍ଵପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ କଥା ଯେ ସେ ଦେଶପାଇଁ ଆତ୍ମତ୍ୟାଗ କରିଥିବା ଅସଂଖ୍ୟ ପୁରୁଷ ଓ ନାରୀମାନଙ୍କର ସ୍ମରଣ ପାତ୍ର ଅଟନ୍ତି । ତାଙ୍କର ଅମାପ କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟବୋଧ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ କରୁଅଛି ।
In the quiet of the Kashmir Valley, where the echoes of D Company’s battle with infiltrators have long since faded, the story of Major Somnath Sharma remains a beacon of courage and sacrifice. His valour ensured that the tricolour would continue to fly over Srinagar, and his name is forever etched in the golden pages of India’s military history.
The life and legacy of Major Somnath Sharma stands as a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fought to protect it. His story, marked by selflessness and bravery, will continue to inspire and guide generations to come, ensuring that his sacrifice is never to be forgotten. His name is etched on the Honour Wall of the National War Memorial.
ଶାନ୍ତ କାଶ୍ମୀର ଉପତ୍ୟକା ଯେଉଁଠାରେ D. Company ସହ ଅନୁପ୍ରବେଶକାରୀଙ୍କ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ହୋଇଥିଲା, ତା’ର ପ୍ରତିଧ୍ଵନି ଆଜି ଶୁଣିବାକୁ ମିଳେନାହିଁ । ମେଜର ସୋମନାଥ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଆତ୍ମକାହାଣୀ ସାହସ ଓ ବଳିଦାନର ଆକାଶଦୀପ ପରି ସ୍ମରଣୀୟ ହୋଇ ରହିଅଛି । ଭାରତର ସାମରିକ ଇତିହାସର ସୁବର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପୃଷ୍ଠାରେ ତାଙ୍କର ଜୀବନ କାହାଣୀ ନିଃସ୍ୱାର୍ଥପରତା ଓ ସାହସିକତା ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ପ୍ରେରଣା ଦେବ । ତାଙ୍କର ବଳିଦାନକୁ କେବେହେଲେ ଭୁଲିହେବ ନାହିଁ । ତାଙ୍କର ନାମ ଜାତୀୟ ସମର ସ୍ମୃତି କାନ୍ଥରେ ସସମ୍ମାନେ ଲିପିବଦ୍ଧ ହୋଇ ରହିଛି ।
Let us salute this bravehearts
Vande Mataram, vande mataram
Sujalam suphalam malayaj a shitalam,
Shasya shyamalam mataram !
Vande Mataram, vande mataram
vande mataram…
Jai Hind
Notes and Glossary
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Class 8 MCQ
Question 1.
Why was Major Somnath Sharma awarded the Param Vir Chakra?
(a) because of his death in the Battle of Badgam
(b) because of his death at a young age
(c) because of his bravery and sacrifice
(d) because he was born in a Family with rich military legacy
Answer:
(c) because of his bravery and sacrifice
Question 2.
Which of the following statememnts about Major Somnath Sharma is True ?
(a) He was born in Jammu and Kasmir
(b) He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1942
(c) He underwent training at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
(d) He fought the Battle of Badgam with his right hand in plaster
Answer:
(b) He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1942
Question 3.
How many infiltrators tried to capture the Kashmir valley ?
(a) 500
(b) 400
(c) 300
(d) 200
Answer:
(a) 500
Question 4.
On which date was Operation Gulmarg launched ?
(a) 27 October 1947
(b) 22 October 1947
(c) 20 October 1947
(d) 31 October 1947
Answer:
(b) 22 October 1947
Question 5.
Why did the invaders start arriving in Badgam in small groups ?
(a) to remain unnoticed
(b) to assess the possibility of invasion
(c) to show that they were not many in number
(d) to find out the number of Indian soldiers
Answer:
(a) to remain unnoticed
Question 6.
What, according to Major Somnath Sharma, was just a distraction ?
(a) the initial attack of the invaders
(b) the major attack of the invaders
(c) arrival of reinforcements
(d) obedience of the order to return
Answer:
(a) the initial attack of the invaders
Question 7.
How did Major Somnath Sharma direct fire, fill magazines and encourage his men to hold their ground ?
(a) by leading his company bravely
(b) by moving through the battlefield fearlessly
(c) by being crouched in a trench secretly
(d) by remaining behind his soldiers safely
Answer:
(b) by moving through the battlefield fearlessly
Question 8.
Why was Major Somnath Sharma crouched in trench next to a machine gun operator ?
(a) to keep himself safe
(b) to watch the situation secretly
(c) to help the gun operator load his gun
(d) to encourage the gun operator for heavy firing
Answer:
(c) to help the gun operator load his gun
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Class 8 Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with correct words/expressions.
1. Major Somnath Sharma’s name is etched in the …………
Answer: annals of history
2. Major Somnath Sharma’s legacy of courage and devotion for the nation remains forever …………
Answer: majestic
3. The infiltrators wanted to capture Srinagar and the …………
Answer: Kashmir Valley
4. Kashmir, a ………… became a part of India on 26th October 1947.
Answer: Princely state
5. Major Somnath Sharma laid out ………… to guide the air craft towards their target.
Answer: ground panels
6. The brave ………… of the soldiers of D Company provided time for reinforcements.
Answer: resistance
7. Major Somnath Sharma was born in ………… in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
Answer: Dadh
8. During World War II Major Somnath served with distinction in the ………… in Burma.
Answer: Arakan Compaign
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Class 8 Very Short Question Answer
Question 1.
How did Major Somnath Sharma’s early life shape his character ?
Answer:
Major Somanath Sharma’s family military background shaped his character as a soldier.
Question 2.
How many soldiers were under Major Somnath Sharma during the attack at Badgam ?
Answer:
There were ninety soldiers under Major Somnath Sharma during the attack at Badgam.
Question 3.
How does Major Somanath Sharma’s leadership inspire to face challenges in life ?
Answer:
Major Somanath Sharma’s leadership (6त्तд) reflects courage, responsibility and determination. One can be inspired by his example to face the challenges bravely.
Question 4.
What was in violation of the esisting agreement with Hari Singh ?
Answer:
Pakistan launched operation Gulmarg to annex the Kashmir valley. This was in violation of an exsisting agreement with Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.
Question 5.
What was the ultimate goal of Pakistani Army trained invaders ?
Answer:
The ultimate goal of their plan was to engineer a revolt in Kashmir and capture the territory, Kashmir valley including Srinagar airport.
Question 6.
When did the Battle of Badgam start ?
Answer:
The Battle of Badgam started in August 1947 when Pakistan lunched Operation Gulmarg to take possession of the Kashmir valley.
Question 7.
What state did the Kashmir valley witness in the shadow of the majestic Himalayas ?
Answer:
The Kashmir valley in the shadow of the majestic (શક્ષ્વી ) Himalayas witnessed a tale of extraordinary heroism and bravery of Indian soldiers.
Question 8.
How did Major Somnath Sharma guide the aircraft during the battle ?
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma guided the air craft by laying out ground panels for direct air strikes at the invaders (ரலூற்கெவெவி).
Question 9.
What injury did Major Somnath Sharma have during the battle ?
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma had a broken hand injury during the Battle of Badgam.
Question 10.
When and where was Major Somnath Sharma born ?
Answer:
Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh in Himachal Pradesh.
A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and the Battle of Badgam Class 8 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
What is the central theme of the tale of valour ?
Answer:
The central theme of ‘A Tale of Valour’ is patriotism, bravery and dutifulness ( શ્રુપિષ્ણવ) of Major Somnath Sharma and his men. It also hignlights courage and discipline that is required to face the challenges bravely in serving one’s nation. The tale makes Major Somnath Sharma’s shining image of patriotism.
Question 2.
What was the significance of the Battle of Badgam ?
Answer:
The significance of the Battle of Badgam was that Major Somnath Sharma along with his D. Company held back Pakistani invaders for a long time. Despite of being heavily outnumbered the Indian soldiers delayed them allowing the reinforcements to enter the Kashmir valley and capturing Srinagar airport. Major Somnath Sharma laid down his life for the nation.
Question 3.
Why did Major Somanath Sharma say that he would fight to the last man and this last round ?
Answer:
When the Battle of Badgam progressed, D. Company began running out of ammunition. The news was reported to Brigade Headquarters. Unfortunately he was asked to pull back. But due to the gravity of the situation, Major Somnath Sharma showed his conspicious bravery and decided not to withdraw an inch but would fight to the last man and the last round. The heroic actions of their Major motivated his men to hold on to their position for over six hours before being overrun by the invaders.
