In a landmark revision to school textbooks, the Defence Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NCERT, has introduced chapters on three revered war heroes—Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma—as part of the 2024–25 academic curriculum. This move, announced in early August 2025, seeks to inspire students with true tales of courage and sacrifice.
Tailored for Different Class Levels and Mediums
The new content has been integrated across different grades and languages to maximize reach:
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw features in Class VIII (Urdu) textbooks. Known as “Sam Bahadur”, he was India’s first Field Marshal and is celebrated for his strategic brilliance during the 1971 Indo‑Pak war.
- Brigadier Mohammad Usman, awarded the Maha‑Vir‑Chakra posthumously for his valor during the 1947–48 Kashmir conflict, is now in Class VII (Urdu). Usman, also known as the “Lion of Naushera”, chose to remain loyal to India and was the senior-most Indian officer to be martyred in that war.
- Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, appears in Class VIII (English) textbooks. His bravery at the Battle of Badgam in November 1947, defending Srinagar Airport despite overwhelming odds, has made his final message legendary.
Why This Update Matters
The initiative aims to do more than recount historical events. According to the Defence Ministry, weaving these stories into the curriculum provides students with “inspirational narratives of courage and duty.” It also aligns with efforts to embed the National War Memorial—a symbol of India’s military heritage—into educational discourse and national consciousness.
These chapters are intended to impart values like resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and national pride, encouraging students to embody the spirit of service and leadership exemplified by these heroes.
Background and Wider Perspective
By incorporating narratives that connect history with contemporary role models, this textbook update is a part of a broader effort to modernize education. NCERT aims to instill a sense of patriotism and make sure that students comprehend the sacrifices that support India’s freedom and security by presenting these military icons.
Overall, the addition of chapters on Manekshaw, Usman, and Somnath Sharma marks a thoughtful reorientation in India’s education narrative—one that values heroism and moral courage as much as academic knowledge.
This article is based on official announcements and public sources available as of August 2025. Curriculum updates and textbook content may vary across states and educational boards. Readers are advised to refer to NCERT’s official publications or the Ministry of Education for the most accurate and updated information
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