India’s War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma Now In NCERT Textbooks: Who Were They?

Last Updated:August 07, 2025, 20:45 IST

Chapters on Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma were added to NCERT to honour their courage, sacrifice & inspire students with real stories of valour

The chapters will be introduced in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively. (Image via X)

The central government on Thursday announced the inclusion of new chapters on three of India’s most celebrated military heroes, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma, in the NCERT curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year.

According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the chapters will be introduced in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively.

The release said the move aims to provide students with “inspirational narratives of courage and duty".

So who are these war heroes, whose contributions to the nation’s defence and honour continue to inspire generations?

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, is remembered as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Indian Army.

Fondly known as “Sam Bahadur", he played a key role in five major wars, including World War II, the 1947–48 war with Pakistan, the 1962 Sino-Indian war, and the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. His most well-known achievement came during the 1971 war, where his strategic leadership led to India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh.

Born in 1914, Manekshaw was known for his wit, courage, and tactical brilliance. In 2023, his life was portrayed in the biographical film Sam Bahadur, starring actor Vicky Kaushal.

Brigadier Mohammad Usman

Known as the “Lion of Naushera," Brigadier Mohammad Usman was a senior officer in the Indian Army who led a daring operation during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war. He was instrumental in recapturing Jhangar and Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir, refusing to move to Pakistan after Partition despite being a Muslim.

Brigadier Usman died in combat on 3 July 1948 and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. His state funeral was attended by key leaders, including Lord Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Major Somnath Sharma

Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. He died in action at the age of 25 while fighting Pakistani infiltrators during the 1947–48 war near Srinagar Airport.

Major Sharma heroic stand in the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947 helped secure the Kashmir Valley for India. Before this, he had served in World War II in Burma and was known for his selfless bravery.

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Stay updated with the latest education! Get real-time updates on board exam results 2025, entrance exams such as JEE Mains, Advanced, NEET, and more. Find out top schools, colleges, courses and more. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

August 07, 2025, 20:45 IST

News education-career India’s War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma Now In NCERT Textbooks: Who Were They?

Read More