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Friday, June 12, 2015

Remembering Major Somnath Sharma( PVC) on my daily morning walk

A morning walk- Major Somnath Sharma Park, New Delhi

 Every morning since the 1st of June, I walk in the park close to our home. As parks go, its absolutely beautiful. Green, clean, and very well maintained, with flowering bougainvillea, beautiful shaded walkways and a wide variety of greenery.Like me, there are many other people who also love to walk in the same park and its a pleasure to breathe in the clean morning air at that time. Goes without saying that the air is not half as fresh and clean as the day progresses, but be that as it may, this park is truly the lungs of the area.

 But there is one more very important  reason why I'm choosing to write about this particular park. Located right next to Som Vihar , that primarily Army Colony colony in South Delhi, this park is a memorial  to the  legendary war hero, Major Somnath Sharma who died so that his countrymen could live.
In memory of that legendary War Hero-Major Somnath Sharma


 Major Som Nath Sharma was the first recipient of Param Vir Chakra (PVC). Param Vir Chakra is the highest Indian gallantry award. Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra  for his bravery in Badgam, Kashmir in November 1947 while fighting Pakistani invaders. 

Born on 31 January 1923, in Himachal Pradesh, Major Somnath Sharma, was commissioned in the Kumaon Regiment on 22 February 1942. On 22 October 1947, Pakistan launched the tribal invasion of Jammu & Kashmir with the intention of  grabbing the Kashmir valley by force. To save the State from a tribal invasion, India dispatched troops to Srinagar. On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company 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. Realizing the importance of holding onto his position as both the city of Srinagar and the airport would be vulnerable if it were lost,  Major Somnath Sharma and his troops who were  outnumbered seven to one, fought till the very end and halted the advance of Pakistani invaders for a few crucial hours till Indian reinforcements arrived.



Incomparable beauty reflected in the early morning light


She steps onto my favourite path- Leafy, shaded and oh so beautiful


Her daily dose- 8 rounds without fail
As I turn the corner
Thats me- Taking a break


Up close and personal-Shades of green
Looking up and loving it!
Pinks, greens and then some more


Light and shadow play
As I walk, I think.. 
The same chain of thoughts every day.

 I love this park and I love the calming routine of a morning walk that preps me up for the rest of my day.

 But over and above everything else, I think about Major Somnath Sharma,  the dedicated army soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice- that of his life and fought till his last breath.

 Then laid down his life so that his countrymen may live...


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8 comments:

  1. Ashish KumarJune 12, 2015 at 2:37 AM

    This is also a good tribute to Major Somnath Sharma by writing a post dedicated to him.
    Every photo you shared is aweome. Informative post...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ravish ManiJune 12, 2015 at 4:09 AM

    Thanks for telling about Major Somnath Sharma. I didn't know about him. These things should be included in school history syllabus.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sunaina Serna AhluwaliaJune 12, 2015 at 9:37 PM

    Many thanks Ashish and Ravish. This post was my way of honouring Major Somnath Sharma for what he and his men did for our country.
    We salute those brave Indians..

    ReplyDelete
  4. KalpanaJune 12, 2015 at 11:50 PM

    Delightful blog post! Enlightening about Major Sharma. I particularly loved the photos of the park and the descriptions of early morning walks in Delhi. Thanks dear.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJune 13, 2015 at 2:45 PM

    So wonderful of you to write about Major Sharma...not many of us pay due respect to men who fight for us everyday.

    Park looks beautiful...hope you keep on finding bliss there!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sunaina Serna AhluwaliaJune 14, 2015 at 2:10 AM

    Thank you so much Kalpanaa- Glad you liked the pics of the park- really is beautiful and the rain currently makes it even more so.


    Good to hear from you Alok- appreciate your feedback and your good wishes.
    In return, I must add- thoroughly enjoy reading your blog posts !

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sagat ShaunikJune 14, 2015 at 9:53 PM

    Dear Mrs. Ahluwalia,

    Greetings!

    So glad to read about Grand-Uncle Som and to see his memorial park once again in your blog. It is heart touching to see fellow citizens and residents remember him even in their busy schedules of life, especially when they take the time and effort to write about him.

    I have two minor corrections for your lovely write up: Major Som Nath Sharma was born on 31st January 1922 at Jammu. He was commissioned in the 8th Battalion, The 19th Hyderabad Regiment. For further details you may visit:

    http://general-salute.blogspot.in/2012/04/ic-521-major-som-nath-sharma-pvc.html

    Here's hoping you enjoy your daily walks and I thank you for your remembrance of him. These blogs make our heroes live forever more.

    Regards
    Sagat

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sunaina Serna AhluwaliaJune 15, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    Dear Sagat

    Thank you for stopping by and that wonderful feedback.

    I had referred to Wikipedia for details on Msajor Somnath but am happy to incorporate what you have suggested. Have already done so and will look up the link you have shared later..

    You are right- all of us need reminders- many of the younger generation have no idea about our leaders and war heroes- it is really our responsibility to make sure the word is spread.

    Which is exactly why blogging is such a great way to connect..
    e.g You and I would have n ever known ( of) each other but for the gallant Major Somnath Sharma, PVC

    ReplyDelete