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India.com
2 days ago
- General
- India.com
Who is Savitri Khanolkar? Foreign woman who designed India's highest gallantry award Param Vir Chakra, her son-in-law became its first recipient, his name is..
Whether it is the Army, Navy, or the Air Force, when it comes to the highest honour to serve the nation, the Param Vir Chakra is probably the first thing that comes to mind. This is the highest military award for exceptional bravery, acts of self-sacrifice, and courageous deeds before the enemy on land, sea, or air. But have you ever wondered who designed India's highest gallantry award? Who was the first soldier to receive the Param Vir Chakra? The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest military award in India. It is awarded for indomitable courage, bravery, and valor during wartime. The prestigious award is also given posthumously. The word 'Param' = supreme, 'Veer' = brave; and 'Chakra' = wheel, indicating that the Param Vir Chakra is a medal or honour given to the supreme of the brave. The Param Vir Chakra is equivalent to the Victoria Cross in the UK and the Medal of Honour in the US. To date, this highest military award of India has been awarded to 21 men, 14 of whom have been posthumously awarded, including four brave soldiers from the Kargil War. The design of the Param Vir Chakra was done by Savitribai Khanolkar, a woman selected for her interests in the arts, craftsmanship, and Indian culture. In addition to Param Vir Chakra, she also designed other principal Indian medals, awarded for war and peace, such as Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. Savitri Khanolkar was born as Eva Yvonne Maday de Maros on July 20, 1913, in Switzerland's Neuchâtel. Her father, André de Maday, was an eminent Hungarian sociologist and professor at the University of Geneva. Meanwhile, her mother, Marthe Hentzelt, was a Russian educator at the Institut Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Geneva. It's interesting to note that Savitribai Khanolkar was originally from Switzerland, and her birth name was Eve Von Linda Mede de Maros. She met Cadet Vikram Ramji Khanolkar while he was in Switzerland on a holiday from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. They fell in love and married. After she got married Eve Von Linda adopted the name Savitribai Khanolkar. She died on 26 November 1990. An important fact is that Savitribai Khanolkar's daughter, Kumudini Sharma, was the sister-in-law of Major Somnath Sharma. He became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously for his bravery. On 3 November 1947 during the Battle of Badgam, as a brigade headquarters ordered a withdrawal due to ammunition running low, Major Somnath Sharma refused to withdraw. He fought hard until he fought his last share of bravery, and was martyred in action as the first soldier to be decorated with India's finest gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra.
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First Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
India's first war to Operation Sindoor: 5 shifts transforming its military power
This is the story of how decades of challenges, wars, and innovation have shaped one of the world's most capable defence forces — from building indigenous weapons to developing nuclear deterrence, from reforming strategy after every conflict to creating a modern, integrated force ready for the future In November 1947, just weeks after Independence, Kashmir was under siege. Pakistan-backed tribal raiders had advanced rapidly, reaching the very outskirts of Srinagar. Their final objective was the airfield—the fragile lifeline linking the Valley to the rest of India. Losing it would have meant losing Kashmir altogether. At Badgam, Major Somnath Sharma and fewer than 90 of his men faced an onslaught of nearly 500 heavily armed attackers. They were outnumbered, outgunned and surrounded. Major Sharma, fighting with a broken arm strapped in a sling, refused to retreat. His final words still echo in India's military history: 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The stand at Badgam saved the Srinagar airfield and, with it, Kashmir. But it also revealed the stark reality of India's early military—a force with no high-tech sensors, no integrated command structure and barely enough men or weapons to hold the line. It was a moment of courage that secured territory but also underlined the fragility of India's defences in those formative years. Today, the picture could not be more different. India's military is now one of the largest in the world, nuclear-capable, technologically integrated and capable of complex joint operations. This transformation did not happen overnight—it took decades, multiple wars, setback, and strategic decisions. Here are the five shifts that have redefined India's defence power. From imports to self-reliance For decades, India depended heavily on foreign arms. The iconic MiG fighter jets came from Russia, howitzers from Sweden and even basic items like rifles and boots were imported. This dependency made the military vulnerable to supply chain delays, diplomatic pressures and operational uncertainty. Even today, India remains the world's largest importer of weapons. But since 2021, that dependence has been steadily shrinking. The government announced an import ban on over 3,000 military items—ranging from small helicopters and army vehicles to drones, radars and surveillance systems—because they could now be manufactured domestically. This shift is not just the result of government policy. Private defence companies, startups and state-run agencies are working together in an unprecedented push for indigenisation. In Tamil Nadu, drone startups like Zuppa and Garuda are producing advanced surveillance UAVs for military use. India is also becoming an exporter. Defence exports have grown from Rs700 crore a decade ago to more than Rs23,000 crore last year—a 34-fold increase. Countries such as Armenia, the Philippines and Vietnam have purchased Indian weapon systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Sindoor in 2025 showcased the results of this self-reliance. Indigenous systems like the BrahMos missile and the Akash air defence platform were deployed alongside foreign acquisitions like the Rafale jets, which ran on Indian-developed software overlays. It was a clear demonstration that home-grown capabilities are no longer just supplementary—they are central to India's military strategy. The nuclear reset India's nuclear journey is more than a tale of bombs—it is the story of a strategic transformation. Until 1998, India maintained what was known as 'nuclear ambiguity.' The world suspected it had the capability but had no proof. That changed in May 1998, when India conducted five nuclear tests under Operation Shakti at Pokhran in Rajasthan. These tests were not just a technological feat—they were a military pivot. India formalised a nuclear doctrine built on three pillars: No First Use, credible minimum deterrence and civilian control of nuclear weapons. This last point is crucial—the authority to use nuclear weapons lies with elected leaders, not the military reinforcing democratic oversight in matters of existential security. The Pokhran tests themselves were a masterclass in deception. Under the watchful eyes of US spy satellites scanning the desert daily, Indian scientists and engineers disguised preparations as routine activity. They played cricket in the open during the day, dug shafts at night and even piped away groundwater from blast chambers to avoid detection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, later President of India, travelled incognito as part of the mission. The operation remains one of India's most successful covert achievements. The real transformation came after the tests. India developed a full nuclear triad—land-based Agni missiles, air-delivered weapons from fighter jets and sea-based platforms for second-strike capability. This provided a full-spectrum deterrent and reshaped India's global image as a nation capable of wielding nuclear power responsibly. Wars that reshaped the military India's wars have been more than territorial disputes—they have been lessons in transformation. In 1949, the appointment of General KM Cariappa as the first Indian Army Chief ended the colonial structure where units were divided by caste and rank often followed race. Cariappa created the Brigade of the Guards, India's first all-India, all-class regiment and enshrined the principle that the military answers to the Constitution, not to political leaders. His personal integrity was legendary. When Pakistan's President Ayub Khan—once a subordinate of Cariappa—offered to release his captured son during the 1965 war, the general refused, insisting all soldiers deserved equal treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 1962 war with China was a wake-up call. Ill-equipped for high-altitude warfare and lacking intelligence capabilities, India suffered defeat. But the setback led to structural reforms under defence minister YB Chavan, including daily briefings between military and civilian leaders, increased defence budgets and expansion of the armed forces. These changes bore fruit in 1971, when India liberated Bangladesh in just 13 days, forcing the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani troops—the largest such capitulation since World War II. But the 1999 Kargil War revealed new vulnerabilities. Pakistani troops had infiltrated and fortified positions inside Indian territory without detection. The lack of a central military intelligence agency, real-time coordination between services and a mountain warfare doctrine were glaring weaknesses. Post-Kargil reforms included the creation of high-altitude warfare schools, modernisation of glacier combat training and the induction of advanced artillery like the K9 Vajra and M777 howitzers. Most importantly, it shifted India's mindset—never again assuming peace as the default and preparing for multi-front, multi-domain conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Sindoor and the joint force era The lessons from Kargil underscored the need for integrated operations. The creation of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Integrated Defence Staff aimed to synchronise planning, logistics and procurement across services. But true integration took time. In 2019, India appointed its first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, with the mandate to build theatre commands where the army, navy and air force would operate as a single fighting unit. That vision was tested in 2025 during Operation Sindoor. Indian forces launched precision strikes deep inside Pakistan-controlled territory using a mix of indigenous and imported systems: BrahMos cruise missiles, loitering munitions, Israeli Harop drones and Rafale jets. Every branch operated in perfect coordination through an integrated command structure. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh later emphasised that logistics—ensuring men, machines, and supplies moved seamlessly—was as decisive as firepower. Operation Sindoor proved India could conduct high-tech, joint-force warfare and emerge victorious. It was the culmination of decades of reform aimed at turning three separate services into one cohesive warfighting machine. A force that reflects the nation The Indian military has long been seen as traditional, male-dominated and hierarchical. That image is changing. The National Defence Academy now admits women cadets, and since 2021, over 500 women officers have received permanent commissions. In Operation Sindoor, women officers not only served but led operations, symbolising a broader transformation. The modern Indian military collaborates with startups, works alongside civilian experts and draws strength from scientists, AI developers, drone engineers and cybersecurity specialists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD National security today is about more than missiles or deterrence. It is about resilience, adaptability and self-reliance—not just in hardware but in mindset. It is about learning from failures, knowing when to act and when restraint is the smarter weapon. From Major Somnath Sharma's stand at Badgam to the synchronised strikes of Operation Sindoor, India's military journey has been defined by courage, adaptation and a constant push for self-reliance. These five shifts—indigenisation, nuclear strategy, lessons from war, joint-force integration and inclusive modernisation—have not just strengthened India's defences. They have redefined what it means to be a military power in the 21st century.
News18
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
India's War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma Now In NCERT Textbooks: Who Were They?
Last Updated: Chapters on Manekshaw, Usman & Somnath Sharma were added to NCERT to honour their courage, sacrifice & inspire students with real stories of valour The central government on Thursday announced the inclusion of new chapters on three of India's most celebrated military heroes, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma, in the NCERT curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year. According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release, the chapters will be introduced in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), respectively. The release said the move aims to provide students with 'inspirational narratives of courage and duty". So who are these war heroes, whose contributions to the nation's defence and honour continue to inspire generations? Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India's first officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, is remembered as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Indian Army. Fondly known as 'Sam Bahadur", he played a key role in five major wars, including World War II, the 1947–48 war with Pakistan, the 1962 Sino-Indian war, and the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. His most well-known achievement came during the 1971 war, where his strategic leadership led to India's victory and the creation of Bangladesh. Born in 1914, Manekshaw was known for his wit, courage, and tactical brilliance. In 2023, his life was portrayed in the biographical film Sam Bahadur, starring actor Vicky Kaushal. Known as the 'Lion of Naushera," Brigadier Mohammad Usman was a senior officer in the Indian Army who led a daring operation during the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war. He was instrumental in recapturing Jhangar and Naushera in Jammu and Kashmir, refusing to move to Pakistan after Partition despite being a Muslim. Brigadier Usman died in combat on 3 July 1948 and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. His state funeral was attended by key leaders, including Lord Mountbatten and Jawaharlal Nehru. Major Somnath Sharma Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of India's highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra. He died in action at the age of 25 while fighting Pakistani infiltrators during the 1947–48 war near Srinagar Airport. Major Sharma heroic stand in the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947 helped secure the Kashmir Valley for India. Before this, he had served in World War II in Burma and was known for his selfless bravery. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
NCERT Launches New Textbooks For Class 5, 8; Art Education Made Compulsory
Last Updated: The NCERT Class 8 science book highlights India's modern accomplishments through chapters on the COVID-19 vaccine, the Make in India initiative, the Chandrayaan mission, etc. NCERT has introduced new books for classes 5 and 8 starting from the 2025-26 session. These books are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. Designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and concept clarity in children, the new Class 8 books include 'Curiosity' (Science), 'Kaushal Bodh' (Vocational Education), 'Malhaar' (Hindi), and 'Poorvi' (English). The new NCERT books emphasise Indian culture, scientific achievements, and moral values. The Class 8 science book 'Curiosity' highlights India's modern accomplishments through chapters on the COVID-19 vaccine, the Make in India initiative, the Chandrayaan mission, Ayurveda principles, and traditional medicine systems, encouraging scientific curiosity and showcasing India's global achievements. The new Class 8 books are engaging, written in simple language, and designed with a clear vision. 1. 'Curiosity' is a new science book with 18 chapters covering chemistry, physics, and biology, focusing on practical activities and real-life examples. Topics like genetics, ecology, and biotechnology are explained in simple terms. 2. 'Kaushal Bodh' centres on vocational education, providing students with skill-based education to prepare them for future employment opportunities. 3. 'Poorvi' (English) features five theme-based units, including stories of Major Somnath Sharma's bravery, Verghese Kurien's 'White Revolution', and physicist Bibha Choudhary. These success stories inspire values like courage, kindness, and scientific curiosity. 4. 'Malhaar' (Hindi) and 'Kriti' (art education) have also been launched for Class 8. 'Kriti' includes theatre, music, and drama as regular subjects, making art education compulsory as per NEP 2020 recommendations. 5. 'Santoor' (English) and 'Veena' (Hindi) have been introduced for Class 5, focusing on activity-based teaching to help young children learn language in an interesting way through play. Where can I get new NCERT books? Although NCERT has launched these books under NEP 2020, some challenges have arisen. The new books are not yet fully available online, and there have been complaints of shortages on Amazon or in local shops. Some parents and teachers have requested NCERT to upload PDFs of these books on their website. NCERT plans to print 15 crore books and has partnered with platforms like Amazon and Flipkart to facilitate easier delivery. view comments First Published: July 12, 2025, 13:51 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
NCERT Class 8 new English textbook: From chapter on Major Somnath Sharma to new units, check key changes
Class 8 students will now read about the valour of Major Somnath Sharma , the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra , and the historic Battle of Budgam in their updated NCERT English textbook. According to NCERT, the inclusion aims to instil "values of courage, duty, and patriotism" in young learners. Titled Poorvi , the newly introduced textbook also features inspiring stories of Verghese Kurien, hailed as the 'Father of the White Revolution', and Bibha Chowdhuri, India's first woman particle physicist, among others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Seniors Ditching Expensive Health Cover for This Smarter Choice Senior Savings Learn More Undo Students will read about the Battle of Budgam and the supreme sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma in Unit 2 -- Values and Dispositions. What are changes? "A Tale of Valour: Major Somnath Sharma and The Battle of Badgam" teaches students the values of courage, duty, and patriotism, showing how selflessness and commitment to one's country can make a lasting impact," the 'About' section of the book mentions. Live Events Major Somnath Sharma was an Indian Army officer and the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery. He was killed in action during the Battle of Budgam on November 3, 1947, while defending Srinagar from raiders backed by Pakistan. Spread over seven pages, the chapter mentions that the Battle of Badgam started in August when Pakistan launched Operation Gulmarg to annexe the Kashmir Valley. It explains how this was a violation of existing agreements and how over 1,000 invaders entered Kashmir. The chapter highlights how Major Somnath Sharma and his men, despite being outnumbered, stood resolute. "The life and sacrifice of Major Somnath Sharma embody the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism. He has been a source of inspiration for soldiers and citizens alike. Most importantly, his story is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women in defence of the motherland and highlights the profound sense of duty that inspired them," the chapter states. The new Class 8 English textbook, Poorvi , has been designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. It features five thematic units that blend stories, poems, conversations, and descriptive narratives to inspire students with values such as courage, kindness, critical thinking, service, curiosity, and perseverance. Each unit contains three literary pieces — a story, a poem, and either a conversation or a non-fictional text — accompanied by in-text questions and 'Let Us Discuss' sections to encourage engagement and assess comprehension. The first unit, Wit and Wisdom , introduces students to the court of Krishnadeva Raya and the sharp wit of Tenali Rama, celebrated for his humour and cleverness. The second unit, Values and Dispositions , features the story of Major Somnath Sharma, India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee, as well as Verghese Kurien: I Too Had a Dream , which underscores integrity and dedication to social good. The third unit -- Mystery and Magic -- explores themes of logic, creativity, and the marvels of the natural world through stories and poetry. The fourth unit -- Environment -- features works by Indian writers including Ruskin Bond, Sarojini Naidu, and Kamakshi Balasubramanian, focusing on human relationships with nature. In the fifth unit -- Science and Curiosity -- students will engage with texts like India's Particle Physicist Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science, encouraging discussions on innovation and the role of scientists in society. NCERT has begun rolling out newly updated textbooks for several classes as part of its curriculum revision. While some books have already been released, the remaining ones are expected to be launched by the end of the year.
