Reading Class 7 English Notes Chapter 13 A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Summary in English and Hindi helps students understand the main plot quickly.
A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Class 7 Summary in English and Hindi
A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Summary in English
Two friends, Soumya K. of Bengaluru and Ananda of Chandigarh, share their feelings about the brave soldiers of India. Soumya K. went on an educational trip to New Delhi. The trip was organised by her school. The experience of visiting the National War Memorial which symbolises the patriotism of the Indian soldiers, left a deep impact on her. She decided to share her feelings of gratitude for the freedom they enjoyed because of the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the country with her friend, Ananda, by writing a letter to her.
In her letter she describes what she saw and felt after visiting the National War Memorial. Here is the summary of what she wrote. Many brave Indians laid their lives to make India free from the British rule. Even after that we had to fight many wars to protect our borders. Again many brave Indians fought. In these fights many lives were lost to help the countrymen live in peace.
A monument is there in New Delhi called the National War Memorial. Each brick of this memorial is called a tablet. Each tablet bears the name of a soldier who fought for India in different wars and made the supreme sacrifice. There are 29000 tablets. On them we find the names of more than 26000 soldiers.
Twenty-one of these soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra (PVC). This is the highest wartime gallantry medal. Other important wartime medals are Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (Vr C) and Shaurya Chakra (SC). Major Somnath Sharma was the first who was awarded PVC. He had given his life fighting in the battle of Badgam 1947. Some of other heroes who were awarded PVC include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying officer Nirmal Jit Singh, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Indian Navy personnel including Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla were also awarded MVC for their exemplary courage and leadership.
The deeds of these soldiers are very inspiring. For example, Ekka fought with complete disregard to his own safety. He saw the enemy’s Light Machine Gun causing heavy casualties on his battalion. He moved ahead, killed two enemy soldiers and silenced the Light Machine Gun. Now wounded, he went on fighting clearing bunker after bunker. Then he noticed Medium Machine Gun of the enemy firing from the second storey of a well-fortified building. This was causing much harm to his Battalion. Despite much danger, he crawled to the building and lobbed a grenade killing one and injuring the other. But the Medium Machine Gun continued to fire. Now Ekka scaled a side wall, killed the enemy and thus silenced the Machine Gun. However, he had received serious injuries. Though he succeeded in his goal, he succumbed to his injuries.
There is Amar Jawan Jyoti in the Memorial. This is a flame which is kept ablaze all time to revere the sacrifices of our soldiers. This Jyoti was earlier lighted under the arch of India Gate in January 1972 to mark India’s victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Now, it is placed in the obelisk in the National War Memorial surrounded by wreaths as a mark of respect.
The National War Memorial has 4 concentric circles. They are called Amar Chakra, Veer Chakra, Tyag Chakra and Raksha Chakra. The 15 metre tall central obelisk has bronze and stone murals and graphic panels. The flame is the symbol of the immortality of the spirit of the fallen soldiers.
The Amar Chakra is the innermost circle. It is also called the Circle of Immortality. This has the obelisk with Eternal Flame. As the name suggests, it portrays the immortal spirit of the fallen soldiers. It is also an assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifice. The second circle called the Veer Chakra portrays the bravery. This bravery is depicted here in a gallery of six murals crafted in bronze that portrays the actions of these brave soldiers in the battle field.
The Tyag Chakra portrays the sacrifice. Here the walls are covered with granite tablets. Each one of these tablets is solely dedicated to each fallen hero of post – independent India. The names are etched in golden letters. The outermost circle, the Raksha Chakra is the circle of Protection. The rows of trees in this circle is an assurance of safety against any threat. The trees represent the soldiers. The National War Memorial is surrounded by beautiful lawns and grand buildings of Kartavyapath. The whole environment in and around the Memorial is very inspiring. Here one is inspired to live a life worthy of the sacrifice of our heroes.
Major Padmapani Acharya of 2 Rajputana Rifles gave his life in the 1999 Kargil War. He was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra. While fighting, he captured a very difficult enemy position. It was strongly held and covered with mines and artillery fire. So the effort of the Indian company faltered in the beginning. But the company commander Acharya did not lose heart. He took the reserve platoon and went through raining artillery shells. The enemy was up the steep rock. Unmindful of the hail of bullets, Major Padmapani crawled up and lobbed grenades. Though this operation was successful, the Major was badly injured and was unable to move. He succumbed to his injuries. Before coming for the battle, he had written a letter to his father. In this he quoted a verse from Bhagawad Gita saying that he was not afraid of dying in the battle field.
![A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Class 7 Summary in English and Hindi]()
A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Summary in Hindi
दो सहेलियाँ, बेंगलुरू से सौम्या के. और चंडीगढ़ से आनंदा, भारत के वीर जवानों के बारे में अपनी भावनाएँ साझा करती हैं। सौम्या के. एक शैक्षिक यात्रा पर नई दिल्ली गई थी। यह यात्रा उनके स्कूल द्वारा आयोजित की गई थी। राष्ट्रीय युद्ध स्मारक, जो देशभक्ति का प्रतीक है, जाने का अनुभव उस पर गहरा प्रभाव छोड़ गया। उसने निश्चय किया कि वह अपनी सहेली आनंदा को पत्र लिखकर उन कृतज्ञ भावनाओं को साझा करेगी जो अनेक बहादुरों के बलिदान से मिली स्वतंत्रता के कारण उसके मन में उपजी थीं।
अपने पत्र में उसने बताया कि राष्ट्रीय युद्ध स्मारक का दौरा करने पर उसने क्या देखा और महसूस किया। उसने जो लिखा उसका सारांश इस प्रकार है: अंग्रेज़ी – शासन से मुक्त होने के लिए अनेक बहादुर भारतीयों ने अपना बलिदान दिया। उसके बाद भी हमें अपनी सीमाओं की रक्षा-हेतु कितनी ही लड़ाइयाँ लड़नी पड़ी। पुनः अनेक बहादुर भारतीय लड़े। इन लड़ाइयों में अनेक जानें गईं ताकि देशवासी शांति से रह सकें।
दिल्ली में नेशनल वॉर मेमोरियल नामक एक स्मारक है। इस स्मारक की प्रत्येक ईंट को एक टेबलट कहा जाता है। हर टेबलट पर एक ऐसे सैनिक का नाम है जिसने भारत के लिए लड़ते हुए किसी युद्ध में सर्वोच्च बलिदान दिया। ऐसी 29000 टेबलट है । इन पर 26000 से अधिक सैनिकों के नाम अंकित हैं।
इन सैनिकों में से 21 को परमवीर चक्र ( PVC ) दिया गया। यह युद्ध – वीरता का सर्वोच्च पुरस्कार है। युद्ध – वीरता के अन्य पुरस्कार हैं – महावीर चक्र (MVC), कीर्ति चक्र ( KC), वीर चक्र (Vr C) और शौर्य चक्र (SC)। परमवीर चक्र ( PVC) पाने वालों में सोमनाथ शर्मा प्रथम व्यक्ति थे। 1947 में बड़गाँव के युद्ध में लड़ते हुए उन्होंने अपने प्राण न्योछावर कर दिए थे। परमवीर चक्र पाने वाले कुछ अन्य नायकों के नाम हैं- लान्स नायक अल्बर्ट इक्का, फ्लाइंग ऑफिसर निर्मल जीत सिंह, सेकिंड लेफ्टीनैंट अरूण क्षेत्रपाल, मेजर होशियार सिंह । भारतीय नौसेना के कई कार्मिको को जिनमें कैप्टेन महिंद्र सिंह मुल्ला भी हैं – इनको अनुकरणीय साहस और नेतृत्व के लिए महावीर चक्र (MVC) से सम्मानित किया गया।
इन सैनिकों के नाम बड़े प्रेरणादायी हैं। उदाहरणार्थ, इक्का को लड़ते हुए आत्मरक्षा की कोई चिंता ही नहीं थी । उसने देखा कि शत्रु की लाइट मशीन गन उसकी बटालियन पर कहर बरसा रही थीं। उसने आगे बढ़कर दो शत्रुओं को मारा और उन लाइट मशीन गनों को शांत कर दिया। अब वह घायल होने पर भी, एक के बाद एक बंकरों को नष्ट करता हुआ चलता गया। तब उसकी नजर उन मीडियम मशीन गनों की ओर गयी जो एक अच्छी तरह आरक्षित भवन की दूसरी मंजिल से चल रही थीं। उसकी टुकड़ी (बटालियन) को यह बड़ा नुकसान पहुँचा रहीं थीं।
बड़े खतरे के बावजूद, वह रेंगता हुआ उस भवन तक पहुँचा और ग्रिनेड फेंकी जिसमें एक शत्रु मारा गया और दूसरा घायल हो गया। परंतु मीडियम मशीन गन अभी भी आग बरसा रही थी। अब इक्का एक साइड वॉल से ऊपर चढ़ा एवं दुश्मन को मार गिराया और मीडियम मशीन गन को शांत कर दिया। परंतु अब इक्का भी गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गया था। अपने लक्ष्य को, यद्यपि उसने पा लिया था पर जख्मों ने उसकी जान ले ली।
इस स्मारक में अमर जवान ज्योति है। अपने सैनिकों के सम्मान में यह सदैव जलती रहती है। पहले जनवरी 1972 में यह ज्योति इंडिया गेट के मेहराब के नीचे प्रज्वलित की गई थी; यह 1971 के भारत – पाकिस्तान युद्ध में भारत की विजय की चिह्न थी । अब यह उस सूच्याकार स्तंभ के नीचे है जो नेशनल वॉर मेमोरियल में स्थित है और आदर स्वरूप इसके चारों ओर मालाएँ हैं। नेशनल वॉर मेमोरियल चार सकेंद्रीय वृत्तों से घिरा है। इन्हें अमर चक्र, वीर चक्र, त्याग चक्र और रक्षा चक्र कहा जाता है। सूच्याकार स्तंभ पर काँसे और पत्थर के बने भित्ति चित्र और भांति-भांति के युद्ध चित्र बने हैं। यह ज्योति बलिदानी सैनिकों के अमर तेज का प्रतीक है।
सबसे अंदर अमर चक्र है। इसे अमरता का चक्र भी कहते हैं। इसमें अमर ज्योति के लिए सूच्याकार स्तंभ है। जैसा कि नाम से स्पष्ट है, यह बलिदानी सैनिकों के अमर तेज का प्रतीक है। वीर चक्र नामक दूसरा वृत्त वीरता का परिचायक है। छ: (6) भित्ति चित्रों से सुसज्जित चित्रशाला इस वीरता को दिखाती है। काँसे से बने ये (चित्र) इन सैनिकों द्वारा युद्ध में किए गए वीर – कृत्यों को दर्शाते हैं। त्याग चक्र बलिदान का प्रतीक है। इसकी दीवारों पर ग्रेनाइट की ईंटें लगी हैं।
यहाँ पर लगी प्रत्येक ईंट स्वतंत्रता प्राप्ति के पश्चात् के भारत में वीर गति को प्राप्त किसी एक नायक को समर्पित है। ये नाम सुनहरे अक्षरों में खुदे हुए हैं। रक्षा – चक्र नामक बाहरी वृत्त ( देश की ) रक्षा का प्रतीक है। इसमें बनी वृक्षों की श्रृंखलाएँ किसी भी बाहरी खतरे से रक्षा का आश्वासन देती हैं। नेशनल वॉर मेमोरियल के चारों ओर सुंदर घास के मैदान और कर्त्तव्यपथ पर बनी आकर्षक इमारते हैं। इस मेमोरियल के अंदर और बाहर का वातावरण बड़ा प्रेरणादायक है । यहाँ पर हमें अपने सैनिकों के बलिदान की तरह जीवन जीने की प्रेरणा मिलती है।
2 राजपूताना राइफल्स के मेजर पद्मपाणि आचार्य ने 1999 के कारगिल युद्ध में अपने जीवन की आहुति दी। उन्हें मरणोपरांत महावीर चक्र से सम्मानित किया गया। युद्ध में उन्होंने बड़ी कठिन समझी जाने वाली शत्रु की पोस्ट पर विजय प्राप्त की थी। इस पोस्ट पर दुश्मन का मजबूत कब्जा था और चारों ओर से खाइयों (mines) एवं तोपों से घिरी हुई थी। अतः प्रारंभ में भारतीय कंपनी का प्रयत्न असफल रहा। परंतु आचार्य ने हार नहीं मानी। उन्होंने रिजर्व प्लाटून को लिया और तोप के बरसते गोलों के बीच चल पड़े।
दुश्मन खड़ी चट्टान के ऊपर था। बरसती गोलियों की चिंता किए बिना मेजर पद्मपाणि धीरे-धीरे ऊपर चढ़े और ग्रेनेड दाग दीं। यद्यपि यह प्रयास सफल रहा, पर मेजर बुरी तरह घायल हो चुके थे और वे चल नहीं पा रहे थे। उनके घाव प्राण-घातक सिद्ध हुए। इस युद्ध में आने से पहले उन्होंने अपने पिता को एक पत्र लिखा था। इसमें उन्होंने भगवत् गीता के श्लोक का हवाला देते हुए लिखा था कि वे युद्ध क्षेत्र में वीर – गति पाने से नहीं डरते हैं।
A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Word Meanings in English and Hindi
Page 180
- Brave – showing courage, बहादुर, साहसी
- Impact – a strong effect or influence, प्रभाव
- Gratitude – thankfulness, कृतज्ञता
- Freedom – the state of being free, स्वतंत्रता
- Sacrifices – giving up something valuable for others, बलिदान
- Memorial – a structure to remind people of a person or event, स्मारक
- Patriotism – love for one’s country, देशभक्ति
- Conversation – talk, discussion”, बातचीत
- Peace – absence of war or conflict, शांति
- Struggle – fight, संघर्ष करना
- British – residents of Britain are called British, ब्रिटेन के निवासी ब्रिटिश कहलाते हैं
- Centuries – hundreds of years, शताब्दियाँ
- Post-independence – after independence, स्वतंत्रता के उपरांत
- Several – quite a few, बहुत सारे
- Wars – armed conflicts between countries or groups, युद्ध
- Protect – save, रक्षा करना
- Borders – lines separating two areas, especially countries, सीमाएँ
- Territorial – of the land, भौगोलिक
- Integrity – entireness, पूर्णता
- Wonder – a feeling of amazement, आश्चर्य
- Fought – past tense of fight; engaged in battle, लड़ा
- During – while, दौरान
- Trip – travel, यात्रा
- Organised – arranged, बनाया/ संगठित किया
- Recall – remember, याद करना
- Looking forward – waiting, प्रतीक्षा करना
- Historical – related to history, ऐतिहासिक
- Significance – importance, महत्त्व
- Interesting – exciting emotions, रोचक
- Excited – emotionally stirred, उत्साहित उत्तेजित
- Share – part, भाग साझा
- Guess – to imagine something, अंदाजा लगाना
- Monument – memorial, स्मारक
- Inspiring – motivating or encouraging, प्रेरणादायक
- Construction – making, बनावट
- Envisioned – imagined, कल्पित हुआ
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- Location – place स्थान
- Iconic – symbolic मूर्ति संबंधी प्रतिमूर्ति
- Tribute – an act of respect or admiration श्रद्धांजलि
- Long desired – much coveted, लंबे समय से वांछित
- Aspiration – a strong desire to achieve something,आकांक्षा
- Fulfilled – accomplished, पूरी हुई
- Security – safety, सुरक्षा
- Served – worked, सेवा की
- Decade – a period of ten years, दशक
- Toll – (here) to have a bad effect, खराब प्रभाव डालना
- Extremely – vezy much, अत्याधिक
- Aware – familiar, परिचित
- Horrors – terrible or frightening experiences, भयावहता
- Tablet – slab, चौकोर टुकड़ा
- Bears – has, अंकित है
- Supreme – highest, महानतम
- Conflict – battle, युद्ध
- Etched – engraved, carved, खुदे हुए, उकेरना
- Heartening – cheering, प्रसन्नतादायक
- Recognised – valued, सम्मान दिया
- Bravehearts – brave men, बहादुर लोग
- Awarded – given as a prize, इनाम स्वरूप मिला
- Gallantry – bravery, बहादुरी
- Posthumously – after death मृत्योपरांत मरणोपरांत
- Operations – battles, युद्ध
- Includes – holds, शामिल करता है।
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- Exemplary – commendable, प्रशंसनीय
- Citation – official praise for a person, प्रशस्ति पत्र
- Motivated – inspired, प्रेरणा दी
- Awestruck – filled with wonder, विस्मय से भरपूर
- Humbled – felt being small, (स्वयं को) तुच्छ समझा
- Courageous – very brave, साहसी
- Battalion – a large body of troops, पलटन
- Defence – shelter, प्रतिरक्षा
- Well fortified – very strong, बड़ी शक्तिशाली
- Assaulting – attacking, आक्रमणकारी
- Troops – soldiers, सैनिक
- Subjected – treated, मुकाबला हुआ
- Intense – severe, प्रचण्ड
- Shelling – bombing, गोला-बारी
- Charged on to – attacked, हमला करना
- Objective – aim, लक्ष्य
- Locked in – involved, मुकाबला हुआ
- Bitter – (here) painful or full of anger, कड़वा, कटु
- Hand-to-hand – close combat without weapons or with handheld weapons, आमने-सामने की लड़ाई
- Combat – battle, युद्ध
- Inflicting – firing, गोलिया मारना
- Casualties – blowsdeaths, मौतें
- Disregard – carelessnes, चिंता-रहित
- Bunker – underground shelter, खाई
- Bayoneted – stabbed with the bayonet (a knife in the front of a gun), संगीन मारी
- Encounter – battle, संघर्ष
- Comrades – mates, साथी
- Undaunted – fearless, निर्भय
- Holding up – blocking the movement, रोकते हुए
- Gallant – brave, बहादुर
- Despite – in spite of, के बावजूद
- Crawled – moved slowly on knees, घुटनों के बल चले
- Lobbed – threw, फेंका
- Loophole – narrow opening, छिद्र दरार, त्रुटी
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Page 183
- Outstanding – supreme, महान
- Grim – terrific, दृढ़मजबूत
- Determination – resolution, निश्चय, संकल्प
- Scaled – climbed, चढ़ गया
- Firing – Shelling, गोले बरसाते हुए
- Ensured – ssured, पक्का कर दिया
- Succumbed to them – died because of them, उनके कारण मृत्यु को प्राप्त हुआ
- Capture +- getting, प्राप्ति
- Displayed – showed, दर्शाया
- Conspicuous – distinguished, विशिष्ट
- Valour – courage, साहस
- Came – across happened to see नजर पड़ी
- Installation – induction, fitting संस्थापन
- Commemorates – recall and show respect for someone सम्मान में स्मरणोत्सव
- Immortal – undying अमर
- Ablaze – lighted प्रज्वलित
- Revere – idolise, worship, श्रद्धा से याद करना
- Alighted – lit, प्रज्वलित की गई थी
- Arch – curve, महराव
- Obelisk – pillar, सूच्याकार स्तंभ
- Surrounded – encircled, घिरी हुई
- Fallen – dead, मृत
- Wreaths – garlands, मालायेंहार
- Transforms – changes, बदल देता है
- Dawn to dusk – sunrise to sunset, सूर्योदय से सूर्यास्त
- Majestic – augustgrand, प्रभावशाली
- Site – scene, दृश्य
- Overwhelmed – inundated, influenced, पराभूत हो गयाविह्वल
- Interminable – ceaseless, अमर
- Metaphor – a figure of speech comparing two things, रूपक, प्रतीक
- Eternal – ever lasting, never ending, अमर
Page 184
- Significance – importance, महत्त्व
- Consists of – made with, निर्मित है
- Concentric – with the same centre, एक केंद्रित
- Central – in centre, मध्य स्थित
- Bronze – a metal, काँसा
- Murals – paintings on the wall, भीति – चित्र
- Graphic panels – square or rectangular slabs, चौकोर या आयताकार टुकड़े
- Representa – is the symbol, प्रतीक है
- Assurance – conviction, विश्वास,
- Exhibits – shows, प्रदर्शित करती है
- Crafted – made, निर्मित,
- Depicting – showing, दर्शा रही
- Valiant – daring, brave, fearless,साहसी
- War formation – the art of war,युद्ध-कला
Page 185
- Solely – completely, पूर्णत:
- Row – line, पुनः आश्वासन देती हुई
- Reassurance – heartening, पुनः आश्वासन देती हुई
- Marked – distinguished, सुसज्जित
- Immersed – lost, खो गए
- Ambience – atmosphere, वातावरण
- Solemn – impressive, ceremonial, औपचारिक
- Overall – including everything, समग्र
- Emotive – emotional, भावपूर्ण
- Visually – as seen by the eyes, प्रत्यक्षतः
- Bond – connection relatbn, संबंध
- Discourses – discussions, चर्चायें
- Massive – greatmuch, भयंकर
- Devastation – destruction, तबाही
- Motivated – inspired, प्रेरणा दी
- Presentations – give introduction, परिचय देना
- Depicting – showing दर्शाते हुए
- Delighted – very pleased, बहुत प्रसन्न
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Page 186
- Assigned – given, सुपुर्द किया गया
- Formidable – difficult, कठिन
- Task – work, काम
- Mines – explosive devices placed underground, बारूदी सुरंगे
- Sweeping – effective, असरदार
- Artillery fire – gunfire from large-caliber weapons, तोपों की गोलीबारी
- Hinged – depended, निर्भर थी
- Faltered – stumbled, delayed, लड़खड़ायी
- Squarely – directly, सीधे
- Leading – front, आगे वाले
- Platoon – group of soldiers, सैनिक टुकड़ी
- Inflicting – imposing, causing, करते हुए
- Utter – complete or absolute, पूर्ण, संपूर्ण
- Disregard – lack of attention or respectv, अनदेखी, उपेक्ष
- Reserve – backup or extra supply, आरक्षित, भण्डार
- Artillery shells – heavy gun fire, तोप के गोले
Class 7 English A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Chapter
I. House No…
Jayanagar,
Bengaluru,
14 April 20XX,
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the importance of peace? We talked about how India had tostruggle for its Independence from the British for many centuries. Post-independence our country has had to fight several wars to protect its borders, territorial integrity, and its people. This made me wonder, who were these brave Indian people?They fought to protect our country and sacrificed their lives so that we could lead our lives in peace. What were their names? Where did they come from? Does anyone remember anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my questions during an educational trip to New Delhi organised by our school. You may recall, I was looking forward to this trip and our visit to many places of historical and educational significance. I learnt several new and interesting things, and I am excited to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name of the monument that I found most inspiring. Let’s see if you can guess. The construction of this monument started in April 2018 and was completed in February 2019. It was envisioned and then inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi in February 2019. In terms of location and size, it is spread over 40 acres of land near the iconic India Gate. But more importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest Indians. I’m sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National War Memorial’. Won’t you say, a long-desired aspiration was fulfilled?
Our visit to the National War Memorial began with our teacher explaining that even after Independence, India has had to fight many wars to protect herself, and the freedom and security we enjoy today is because of the many brave men and women who have served in the Indian Armed Forces over decades. Sadly, she said, war always takes its toll, and therefore, many brave soldiers have had to sacrifice their lives for the country even after our Independence in 1947.
This is what makes monuments like the National War Memorial extremely important, so that we should never forget the cost of freedom. We are aware, always, of the pain and horrors of war. We learnt that each brick of the memorial is called a tablet, and it bears the names of soldiers who fought for India and made the supreme sacrifice in different wars from 1947 till date, including the Indo-China conflict of 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars in 1965 & 1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. There are 29,000 tablets on which more than 26,000 names of fallen soldiers have been etched.
It was heartening to know that our government has recognised the sacrifice of brave soldiers. Our teacher told us about he 21 bravehearts who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest wartime gallantry medal, for their service to the nation. She also told us about Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC), and Shaurya Chakra (SC).
Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India’s fist PVC in the Battle of Badgam in 1947. Later some more PVCs were awarded for exceptional gallantry during the IndiaChina Conflct of 1962, and the India-Pakistan War of 1965. Besides, a PVC was also awarded for service during the UN Peace Keeping Operations in Congo. In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were awarded the PVC (posthumously) include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying Offir Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, and Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel including Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla were also awarded MVC for their exemplary courage and leadership. Then the teacher shared with us the citation of Param Vir Chakra awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka. It touched my heart and also motivated me. We were awestruck and humbled by his bravery. I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the army!
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Citation
Lance Naik Albert Ekka, (No. 4239746), 14 Guards:
Lance Naik Albert Ekka was in the left forward company of a Battalion of the Brigade of Guards during their attack on the enemy defence at Gangasagar on the eastern front. This was a well-fortified position held in strength by the enemy. The assaulting troops were subjected to intense shelling and heavy small arms fie, but they charged on to the objective and were locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat. Lance Naik Albert Ekka noticed an enemy Light Machine Gun inflicting heavy casualties on his company. With complete disregard to his personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker, bayoneted two enemy soldiers and silenced the Light Machine Gun.
Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades through the mile deep objective, clearing bunker after bunker with undaunted courage. Towards the northern end of the objective, one enemy Medium Machine Gun opened up from the second storey of a well-fortifid building inflcting heavy casualties and holding up the attack. Once again, this gallant soldier without worrying about his personal safety, despite his serious injury and the heavy volume of enemy fie, crawled forward till he reached the building and lobbed a grenade through the loophole of the bunker, killing one enemy and injuring the other.
The Medium Machine Gun, however, continued to fire. With outstanding courage and grim determination, Lance Naik Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker, bayoneted the enemy who was still firing and thus silenced the Machine Gun, saving further casualties to his company and ensured the success of the attack. In this process, however, he received serious injuries and succumbed to them after the capture of the objective. In this action, Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous valour, determination and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army
As we continued our visit around the National War Memorial, we came across another important installation called Amar Jawan Jyoti that commemorates our soldiers. The name, as you may have guessed, represents an immortal flame that is kept ablaze all through the day and night to revere the sacrifices of our soldiers. Earlier the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which also displayed a rifle and a helmet, was alighted under thearch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India’svictory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.
The National War Memorial now includes Amar Jawan Jyoti in the obelisk, which is surrounded by four Chakras. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister lit a new flame to commemorate the fallen heroes. Later, the old flame at India Gate was also merged with the new flame at the National War Memorial. Here is a picture of the new Amar Jawan Jyoti if you haven’t seen it. You can see the obelisk surrounded by wreaths that have been placed as a mark of respect. Thelighting design is planned in such a way that it transforms the monument’s landscape as sunlight changes from dawn to dusk. It truly is a majestic site that filed me with pride for our nation. I was also overwhelmed by the interminable flame as a metaphor for eternal stories of courage and valour.
Our teacher also explained the significance of the Chakras to us. I found it interesting and hence I am sharing with you. The National War Memorial consists of four concentric circles, which are known as Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra, and Raksha Chakra around a 15-metre-tall central obelisk with the eternal flame—the Amar Jawan Jyoti. It also houses bronze and stone murals and graphic panels. Isn’t it amazing! The innermost circle represents the Amar Chakra, also known as the ‘Circle of Immortality’. This has the Obelisk with Eternal Flame.
The Amar Jawan Jyoti flame symbolises the immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers with the assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifie. The second circle is called the Veerta Chakra, which is also known as the ‘Circle of Bravery’. There is a covered gallery that exhibits six murals crafted in bronze, depicting valiant battle actions of our Armed Forces. The third circle represents the Tyag Chakra, also known as the ‘Circle of Sacrifice’. The circular concentric walls of honour symbolise the ancient war formation, which is called Chakravyuh. The walls are covered with granite tablets and individual tablet is solely dedicated to each fallen hero of post Independent India. Their names are etched in golden letters.
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The outermost circle represents the Raksha Chakra, which is also known as the ‘Circle of Protection’. In this chakra the row of trees is a reassurance to the citizens of the country about their safety against any threat. Each tree represents the soldiers who ensure the territorial integrity of the nation. We spent the whole day, from morning to evening, at the National War Memorial and the surrounding areas, marked by majestic lawns and grand buildings of Kartavyapath. We were immersed in the ambience that was solemn and a reminder of what a free nation could achieve. The overall environment created an emotive experience that was visually inspiring. I felt as if I had developed a bond with the place.
I learnt a lot, but I also have to admit that the various discourses during the day brought tears to my eyes. It was sad to think about the massive devastation and loss of life caused by wars. It motivated me to live a life worthy of the sacrifices of our heroes. After our visit, the class decided to make presentations on stories of valour of the bravehearts we came across at the National War Memorial. We divided ourselves into fie groups. We decided to make presentations depicting the courageous stories of the soldiers. Our teacher has also advised us to share our experience during the school assembly. I am delighted that all the students of our school will get to know about the National War Memorial and the soldiers it commemorates. I am going to give apresentation on the story of Major Padmapani Acharya, who fought for India in the 1999 Kargil War and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
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The citation for the Maha Vir Chakra reads as follows:
Gazette Notification: 17 Pres/2000,15.8.99 Peration:
OP Vijay- KarGil Date of Award: 15 aug 1999
Citation
Major Padmapani Acharya (IC -55072) 2 RajPutaNa Rifles (PosthuMous)
On 28 June 1999, Major Padmapani Acharya as a Company Commander, was assigned the formidable task of capturing an enemy position which was heavily fortified, strongly held and covered with mines and sweeping machine gun and artillery fire.
Success of the battalion and brigade operation hinged on the early capture of this position. However, the company attack almost faltered at the very beginning when the enemy’s artillery fie came down squarely on the leading platoon, inflcting large number of casualties.
With utter disregard to his personal safety, Major Padmapani Acharya took the reserve platoon of his company and led it through raining artillery shells. Even as his men were falling to the murderous enemy fie, he continued to encourage his men and charged at the enemy up the steep rock face with his reserve platoon.
Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy’s position, Major Padmapani Acharya crawled up to the enemy position and lobbed grenades. In this daring assault, Major Acharya was severely injured. Despite being seriously injured and unable to move, he ordered his men to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fie at the enemy. The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was captured.
After completion of the mission, the officer however, succumbed to his injuries. Major Padmapani Acharya displayed exceptional courage, leadership and spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.
Before he went into battle, he wrote a letter to his father that he wasn’t afraid or scared about losing his life while trying to protect the motherland. Quoting Shrimad Bhagavad Gita he went on to say:
Here is the website link for National War Memorial https://www.mygov.in. Share it with your friends to learn more about it. We reached Bengaluru yesterday. I have written a long letter as I could not help sharing this inspiring experience with you. Give my regards to your mom and dad. I miss your mom’s chhole bhature. You know I am a foodie! Say hello to Amit.
Your friend,
Soumya.
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II. House No…. Sector…
Chandigarh
24 April 20XX
Dear Soumya,
It was such a pleasure to receive your letter. I enjoyed reading your experience of the visit to the National War Memorial in Delhi, as well as your observations and feelings during the visit. You really have an eye for detail, and being the sensitive person that you are, you have been able to capture the essence of the emotions associated with this memorial.
I was happy to hear that you got an opportunity to visit the National War Memorial. I have heard a lot about it. Some people might see a war memorial as just a monument, statue, an edifice to celebrate our war heroes or victory and commemorate those who lost their lives or got injured in the war. In my view, it is also an expression of deep gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country. I feel motivated and I am seriously thinking of joining the Armed Forces to serve my motherland.
I also feel it is our duty to periodically visit such places to honour our valiant soldiers, who have made great sacrifices for us. Their sacrifices enable us to walk freely in our country without fear of enemy threats. It is nice of your teacher and school to arrange this visit to give you all a chance to learn about India’s heroes and also pay your respect to them. The idea of your class to make a presentation at the school and make everyone a part of your experience is wonderful! Best of luck for your presentation, I hope it goes well and motivates the school students to join the Indian Armed Forces.
Your letter has reminded me of a time when we visited the war memorial in our city. While visiting one of Chandigarh’s gardens, we saw a lot of activity around the Bougainvillea Garden in Sector 3. As we approached the garden, we saw people offering flowers and prayers. We joined the group out of curiosity and quickly realised that they were all there to pay respect to the soldiers at the War Memorial located in the heart of the garden. When I think back about my visit where everyone was dedicating flowers as a mark of respect to our soldiers, I was reminded of the following poem:
Pushp kl Abhilasha
Chaah Nahi, Main Sur Bala Xe Gehanon
Mein GoonthaJaaun,
Chaah Nahi, Premi-Mala Mein Band h
Pyaari Ko Lalchaaun!
Chaah Nalu, Samraaton Ke Shav
Par, Hey Han, Dala Jaaun,
Chaah Nahi Devon Xe Sir Par
Chadhoon, Bhagya Par Ithiaun!
Mujhe Tod Lena, Vanmali!
Us Path Per Dena Turn Phaink,
Matrabhoomi Per Sheesh Chadhane
Jis Path Jaavein Veer Anek! – Makhanlal Chaturvedi
पुष्प की अभिलाषा
चाह नहीं, मैं सुरबाला के
गहनों में गूँथा जाऊँ,
चाह नहीं, प्रेमी – माला में
बंध प्यारी को ललचाऊँ!
चाह नहीं, सम्राटों के शव
पर, हे हरि, डाला जाऊँ,
चाह नहीं, देवों के सिर पर
चढूँ, भाग्य पर इठलाऊँ!
मुझे तोड़ लेना, वनमाली!
उस पथ पर देना तुम फेंक,
मातृभूमि पर शीश चढ़ाने
जिस पथ जावें वीर अनेक!
– माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी
I hope you like the poem. I must say, I was inspired by your idea of presenting the valourous stories of India’s soldiers. There are so many stories of courage, bravery and sacrifice which remind us that many of the challenges we fiacein our lives are inconsequential. We can enjoy peace in our country and the luxury of exchanging ideas with our friends because our Armed Forces are alert and work hard to create that environment for us.
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Very recently, I read in the newspaper that Captain Anuj Nayyar, MVC, an Indian Army officer of the 17 Jat regiment was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second highest gallantry award, for exemplary valour during the Kargil War in 1999. I look forward to learning ore about him. Meanwhile, I learnt that his mother Meena Nayyar has written a memoir titled Tiger of Drass– Capt. Anuj Nayyar – 23 – Kargil Hero, which I shall certainly go through. I am sharing with you an excerpt of her interview with IANS.
I have shared your experience with many of my friends. We all wish to visit the National War Memorial, Delhi. We have found out a mobile app ‘National War Memorial and Museum’. This app is very interactive and provides answers to our queries in 21 languages. The murals on the walls are enchanting. A great learning experience indeed!
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Next week, I am going to share this idea with my classmates and my teacher. I think it would be great to create a collage capturing the lives and stories of people that can inspire us each day. I know that we can email each other. I really like to receive letters from you, not just because of the ideas that you share but also because the envelope of your letters often comes with beautiful stamps, which make me happy. I don’t know if I ever shared it before, but collecting stamps is one of my favouritce obbies. I’ve been doing it for years. But I learnt recently that the act of collecting stamps is called ‘philately’. This time I received a stamp that celebrates India’s independence, a theme related to your letter.
Okay, that’s all from me for now. But before I conclude, guess what we had for breakfast! Fluffy idlis and we all remembered you. Give my regards to your parents. I am inspired by your letter! Hope to hear from you soon about your new adventures and experiences.
Best wishes,
Ananda.
The post A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers Class 7 Summary in English and Hindi appeared first on Learn CBSE.