NCERT to Add Chapters on War Heroes Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Usman & Sharma to Syllabus

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence announced that the stories and sacrifices of renowned war heroes Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma have been included in the NCERT syllabus for the current academic year.

Placement of Chapters in Classes

As per the ministry’s details, the story of Field Marshal Manekshaw has been introduced in the Class 8 Urdu textbook, Brigadier Usman’s chapter in Class 7 Urdu, and Major Sharma’s account in Class 8 English. These additions are designed to motivate students by showcasing acts of leadership, courage, and duty.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian officer to receive the rank of field marshal, is honoured for his outstanding leadership and exceptional strategic acumen. Brigadier Mohammad Usman, a recipient of the Mahavir Chakra, and Major Somnath Sharma, honoured posthumously with the Param Vir Chakra, both gave their lives in the line of duty and remain enduring examples of ultimate sacrifice.

Lessons Beyond Military History

The ministry stated that including these stories in school books will not only inform students about key moments in India’s defence history but also encourage qualities like resilience, compassion, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to national development.

National War Memorial in the Curriculum

To strengthen the role of the National War Memorial (NWM) as a major symbol of remembrance, the Ministry of Defence has collaborated with the Ministry of Education and the NCERT to weave references to the NWM into school lessons. The National War Memorial, located at the Central Vista ‘C’ Hexagon near India Gate in New Delhi, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 February 2019. Built as a tribute to fallen soldiers, it seeks to inspire patriotism, uphold moral values, and foster a strong sense of national pride among citizens.