New Delhi, Aug 7: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has added chapters on three decorated military personnel to its school curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year.
The Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday that the lives of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma have been included in Class 8 (Urdu), Class 7 (Urdu), and Class 8 (English) textbooks, respectively.
“These stories are not just about war—they are about resilience, duty, and the kind of character that shapes a nation,” said a Defence Ministry official. “Students will now learn about these men who laid everything on the line for India.”
Field Marshal Manekshaw, India’s first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal, led the Indian Army to a decisive victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He is remembered for his strategic leadership and unwavering composure under pressure.
Brigadier Mohammad Usman, a posthumous recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra, led key military operations in 1947–48 that forced Pakistani troops out of Jhangar and Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the “Lion of Nowshera,” he was killed in action and remains one of the highest-ranking officers to have died in battle.
Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, was martyred while defending Budgam during the same 1947–48 conflict. His company successfully repelled advancing Pakistani forces marching toward Srinagar, preventing a major escalation.
“These heroes represent more than bravery in combat—they reflect emotional strength, empathy, and a deep commitment to national integrity,” said the official.
The curriculum update is part of a broader initiative to integrate the National War Memorial (NWM) into educational content. The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NCERT, seeks to establish the NWM as a cornerstone of historical awareness among students.
“Through these additions, we hope to give students not only a lesson in history but also a moral compass,” the official added.
The National War Memorial, dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019, stands in the Central Vista of India Gate in New Delhi. The monument honours over 26,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in various conflicts post-Independence.
By bringing these narratives into classrooms, the government aims to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and emotional intelligence in the youth—qualities that transcend textbooks and prepare students for life beyond.
