On 22 October 1947, Pakistan launched invasion of Jammu & Kashmir. The intention was to grab the Kashmir valley by force. As the State became a part of the Union on October 26, her protection became the responsibility of India. To save the State from an invasion, which was approaching the valley at a very fast pace, India dispatched troops to Srinagar. The first batch of Indian troops reached just in time on October 27 morning to stop the enemy on the outskirts of Srinagar. On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company (D Company of 4 Kumaon) was ordered on a fighting patrol to Badgam Village in the Kashmir Valley. He was soon surrounded by the enemy from three sides and his company sustained heavy casualties from the ensuing artillery bombardment. He realized the importance of holding onto his position as both the city of Srinagar and the airport would be vulnerable if it were lost. He urged his company to fight bravely, often exposing himself to danger as he ran from post to post.
Major Sharma, with his right hand in plaster, took upon himself the task of filling the magazines and issuing them to men, operating light machine guns. While he was busy fighting the enemy, a mortar shell exploded on the ammunition near him. His last message to Brigade HQ received a few moments before he was killed was: "The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.”
The army foiled the attempts of Pakistan raiders to capture the airport. One army man’s courage scripted the history of India and particularly Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Major Somnath Sharma was one of the many people who held the Tricolours high with his bleeding body and became the torch of free India. .
Its often that we see people praying and performing rituals for India’s victory in cricket or a cricketer or an actor's idol being washed with milk or people cry even when he is hospitalised with just some minor injuries. But how often do we weep for a soldier who died with a blood stained picture of his loved ones in his hand or when do we even feel sorry of a Shaheed’s wife who gets only Rs.650 a month from the government and has two children to educate. We are aware of the fact Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are adopting a one more kid but are we aware that many men have died without having a look at their 12 month old kid who just learned to say “PAPA”.
Sitting in a cozy place we will never know how it feels to be up there in the cold, cold mountains, carrying a heavy backpack with a fear that you will never see your eight year old daughter. That sweet thing with a ponytail and a smile that lights up your world. You may not hear her giggles, see her climb your shoulder, run around, throw her dolls in anger, call you dad………You will not be there for her. You will not be there for your friends, your family and for the ones for whom you really cared and who really cared for you. You know what fear is. That is fear. Not being there. Death is not what matters. What matters is that you will not matter anymore. They died with pride now its our time to provide with the honour they deserve. Remember them always cause they have earned their respect with blood. Lets not their death go waste, unacknowledged.
Major Sharma, with his right hand in plaster, took upon himself the task of filling the magazines and issuing them to men, operating light machine guns. While he was busy fighting the enemy, a mortar shell exploded on the ammunition near him. His last message to Brigade HQ received a few moments before he was killed was: "The enemies are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.”
The army foiled the attempts of Pakistan raiders to capture the airport. One army man’s courage scripted the history of India and particularly Jammu and Kashmir in 1947. Major Somnath Sharma was one of the many people who held the Tricolours high with his bleeding body and became the torch of free India. .
Its often that we see people praying and performing rituals for India’s victory in cricket or a cricketer or an actor's idol being washed with milk or people cry even when he is hospitalised with just some minor injuries. But how often do we weep for a soldier who died with a blood stained picture of his loved ones in his hand or when do we even feel sorry of a Shaheed’s wife who gets only Rs.650 a month from the government and has two children to educate. We are aware of the fact Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are adopting a one more kid but are we aware that many men have died without having a look at their 12 month old kid who just learned to say “PAPA”.
Sitting in a cozy place we will never know how it feels to be up there in the cold, cold mountains, carrying a heavy backpack with a fear that you will never see your eight year old daughter. That sweet thing with a ponytail and a smile that lights up your world. You may not hear her giggles, see her climb your shoulder, run around, throw her dolls in anger, call you dad………You will not be there for her. You will not be there for your friends, your family and for the ones for whom you really cared and who really cared for you. You know what fear is. That is fear. Not being there. Death is not what matters. What matters is that you will not matter anymore. They died with pride now its our time to provide with the honour they deserve. Remember them always cause they have earned their respect with blood. Lets not their death go waste, unacknowledged.
