The Indian education system is set to embrace the lives and contributions of three iconic military figures, with their stories now officially integrated into the NCERT syllabus for this academic year.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma will be introduced to students across various classes in the Indian school system. Specifically, Manekshaw’s contributions will be covered in Class VIII (Urdu), Usman’s story in Class VII (Urdu), and Sharma’s heroics in Class VIII (English). These additions aim to celebrate extraordinary acts of valor, leadership, and commitment to the nation, providing students with inspiring real-life examples of service and sacrifice.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, notably India’s first officer to hold this esteemed rank, is celebrated for his remarkable strategic leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which played a pivotal role in shaping India’s military legacy. Meanwhile, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, who was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra for his exceptional bravery, and Major Somnath Sharma, recognized as India’s first Param Vir Chakra recipient, both exemplify the ultimate sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the country.
This educational initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It also seeks to incorporate references to the National War Memorial (NWM) into the curriculum, a monument inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019, to honor those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for India.
Officials involved in this curriculum enhancement believe that integrating these heroic narratives will not only provide students with a deeper understanding of India’s military history but also instill foundational values like resilience, empathy, and patriotism in the younger generation. The importance of these attributes in shaping responsible citizens of the future cannot be overstated. As fresh insights into these historical figures are added to classrooms, students will be encouraged to reflect on the significance of duty and service, thus enriching their educational experience.
