Lt Col Manoj K Channan

Lt Col Manoj K Channan (Retd) served in the Indian Army, Armoured Corps, 65 Armoured Regiment, 27 August 83- 07 April 2007. Operational experience in the Indian Army includes Sri Lanka – OP PAWAN, Nagaland and Manipur – OP HIFAZAT, and Bhalra – Bhaderwah, District Doda Jammu and Kashmir, including setting up of a counter-insurgency school – OP RAKSHAK. He regularly contributes to Defence and Security issues in the Financial Express online, Defence and Strategy, Fauji India Magazine and Salute Magazine. *Views are personal.

The Indo-Pak War of 1965, often called “The War of Redemption,” restored India’s military confidence after 1962 and exposed Pakistan’s miscalculations born of overconfidence and political turmoil. A recent seminar revisited the conflict’s forgotten battles, leadership lessons, and enduring strategic insights that continue to shape India’s defence posture today.

The Indo-Pak War of 1965 holds a unique place in South Asian military history. Overshadowed by the trauma of 1962 against China and the apparent victory of 1971, the 1965 conflict remains a study of bravery, misjudgment, and especially, the steadfast resilience and strengthening of the soldiers’ national will. Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd), former Director General Military Operations, called it “The War of Redemption”.           

A seminar jointly organised by the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) and Valley of Words (VoW), led by Lt Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), with support from Mr. Shishir Priyadarshi, President of CRF, and Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Festival Director of VoW, aimed to revisit this war with rare candour.

The day-long event was addressed by distinguished veterans and thought leaders, notably Lt Gen Kamal Davar, PVSM, AVSM, Retd, of the 7th Light Cavalry, and Maj Billie Bedi, VrC, of The Scinde Horse (former head of the Aviation Research Centre and founding Director General of the National Technical Research Organisation, NTRO). Both, alongside the late Air Marshal Asthana, belong to the 23rd course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), an exceptional cohort that contributed to India’s leadership in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), NTRO, and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), as well as the key recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee Report.

The seminar not only honoured the sacrifices of 1965 but also revealed forgotten episodes, overlooked tactical decisions, and the strategic contexts that influenced the war. These lessons are crucial for understanding our military history and developing future strategies.

The 7th Light Cavalry and the Spirit of Defiance

In 1965, the 7th Light Cavalry was converting to PT-76 tanks. According to Army Headquarters’ policy, the unit was not expected to be battle-ready. However, the commanding officer, Colonel Dalip Jind, showed remarkable determination. He persuaded higher authorities to let his regiment march to the concentration area with the available rolling stock, continuing training en route.

This act of defiance epitomised the ethos of the Armoured Corps: to never let institutional inertia override operational readiness. It also highlighted the vital role of leadership in shaping the course of the war. Lt Gen Kamal Davar, then a young officer in his twenties with barely three years of service, would carry this ethos into battle.

Maj Billie Bedi, of the Scinde Horse, a young and spirited individual, was pulled out of the prestigious Gunnery Instructors’ course at the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) at his request. This was after he personally petitioned the Commandant, ACC&S, to allow him to rejoin his regiment in combat.

Both the young officers were injured while leading their tank troops against a well-entrenched enemy in coordinated defences.

The episode revealed a stark truth: wars are not always won by armies that are fully equipped and prepared, but by soldiers and leaders who refuse to bow to circumstances. Whether on land or air, the Indian man behind the machine was demonstrated as India created a Patton Nagar with 103 Patton Tanks.

Geopolitical Backdrop: Perceptions of Weakness and Miscalculation

The perception of a weakened India significantly influenced Pakistan’s decision to start the conflict in 1965.

The 1962 debacle against China left scars on the Indian military and political psyche.

The death of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964, followed by the appointment of Prime Minister Lal During this interregnum, a man of few words, returning from a Non-Aligned Summit, reportedly conveyed to Field Marshal Ayub Khan in Rawalpindi that peaceful coexistence with India was desirable. Pakistan, however, chose aggression over accommodation.

Another key factor was the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Kennedy had promised to supply ten Indian Army divisions after the 1962 war to bolster India’s defences against China; his commitment concerned Ayub Khan, who saw it as shifting the balance of power. However, when Lyndon B. Johnson took office, U.S. priorities changed. Focused on Vietnam and cautious about alienating Pakistan, a vital Cold War ally in SEATO and CENTO, Johnson quietly delayed the promised arms support to India.

This lack of external support to India emboldened Ayub, who was keen on importing the latest weapons from the US. Ayub was convinced that the superiority of their weapons would probably have him having dinner at the Red Fort in Delhi within 24 hours.

However, the volte face and the Indian Army allowed Shastri to quip, We saved Ayub the travel to Delhi, we can have dinner together at Lahore.

Lal Bahadur Shastri may have been short in height and had a quiet demeanour. Still, he stood ten feet tall when his political directive to the Indian Defence Forces was clear, which enabled the Indian Military to achieve what it did.

Convinced that India remained militarily vulnerable and seeking to strengthen his hold after rigging elections against Fatima Jinnah, Ayub launched a series of operations starting on 1 January 1965. These included probes in Kutch, infiltration under Operation Gibraltar, and the offensive move of Operation Grand Slam. The gamble was intended both to exploit India’s perceived weaknesses and to rally Pakistan behind his leadership.

Indian Armour and Air Power: Numbers and Limitations

At the cusp of 1965, the balance of armour and air power was stark: –

• Pakistan possessed 15 armoured regiments, bolstered by M-48 Patton tanks courtesy of its SEATO and CENTO alignments. It also had advanced aircraft such as F-86 Sabres and F-104 Starfighters.
• India, by contrast, fielded 17 regiments. Its inventory included Stuart and Sherman tanks, AMX-13s, PT-76s, and four Centurion regiments. The Indian Air Force relied on Hunters and the nimble Gnats.https://9416635348ceed80b2dfbbdf02c088b3.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html
• When Pakistan commenced operations in the Rann of Kutch, its armour manoeuvred with agility, exposing India’s underdeveloped road infrastructure and lack of availability of armour along the border.
• The bigger issue that surfaced was not about numerical deficit but about institutional bias. The Indian Army’s emphasis on the Himalayan border and dismissive remarks by the then Chief of Army Staff at Armoured Corps Centre and & School that “the days of armour are numbered” highlighted a dangerous underestimation of the importance of mechanised forces in plains warfare.

Since then, many a time has the death knell of Armour been called out, including the Ukraine–Russia conflict and the recent OP SINDOOR.                   

Political Undercurrents in Pakistan

The war also coincided with political turmoil in Pakistan. Fatima Jinnah, sister of Pakistan’s founder, contested the 1965 presidential elections against Ayub Khan. Although she had clearly won the popular vote, the military regime manipulated the election, giving Ayub a fraudulent victory by a margin of 10,000 votes.

Facing a legitimacy crisis, Ayub resorted to external conflict to strengthen his power. The promise of quick gains in Kashmir was presented as a route to national glory, concealing internal divisions.

Thus, Pakistan’s military adventurism was as much about strengthening Ayub’s domestic political position as it was about changing the regional balance.

The Course of Battle: From Punjab to Hajipir

India responded decisively once provoked. On the night of 6/7 September 1965, formations crossed into Pakistani Punjab. 3 JAT, 15 Dogra, and 13 Punjab, supported by the Scinde Horse, advanced to the outskirts of Lahore (Bata Nagar), breaching the formidable Ichhogil Canal.

The 3rd Battalion of the Jat Regiment (3 JAT), under the unwavering command of Lt Col Desmond Hayde, with Capt Baldev Raj Varma as his adjutant, demonstrated extraordinary gallantry in the capture of Dograi. They not only seized the position once but twice, each time against heavily fortified Pakistani resistance. The assaults incurred a high toll, with significant casualties, including the grievous wounding of Capt Baldev Raj Varma, who survived, continued his career with distinction, and retired as Maj Gen Baldev Raj Varma, AVSM.

3 JAT feat at Dograi remains legendary in the annals of the Indian Army. Despite being outnumbered and fighting without adequate replenishment, 3 JAT embodied the highest traditions of courage, resilience, and determination. The eventual recapture of Dograi on the night of 22/23 September stood as a symbol of Indian resolve and an emphatic response to Pakistan’s boast of martial superiority.

Simultaneously, in the high Himalayas, Indian troops captured the Hajipir Pass and Point 13260 in Leh, both strategically valuable. Tragically, these gains were returned during post-war negotiations, reflecting political compulsions rather than military logic.

The human toll of the 1965 war was significant for both sides.

The Indian Army lost about 2862 soldiers killed in action, with around 8000 wounded and nearly 2000 taken prisoner. The Pakistan Army’s losses were higher, with estimates indicating 3800–4000 killed, 8000–9000 wounded, and approximately 2400 prisoners of war held by India.

While Pakistan’s official figures acknowledged only about 1800 killed, neutral assessments from the United States, Britain, and other observers confirm considerably higher losses.

These figures highlight the intensity of the 22-day conflict, during which neither side achieved a decisive breakthrough. Still, both paid a heavy price in blood before the United Nations ceasefire and the Soviet-brokered Tashkent Agreement of January 1966.

Battle of Doagrai – A snapshot of Awards and Casualties

7^th Light Cavalry

In a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with the citizens of India, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, ceremonially flagged off the Indian Navy car rally on 13 September 2025, from Varunika Naval Auditorium, New Delhi. The event marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s outreach initiative aimed at strengthening the bond between maritime forces and the people of India, particularly in the culturally rich and strategically vital heartland of Uttar Pradesh.

Comprising 34 participants, including serving naval personnel and members of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), the rally will cover a 1700-kilometre route over eight days, traversing the cities of Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kanpur. These locations have been carefully chosen to maximize engagement with the local populace and to honour the region’s historical and cultural significance.

The rally is anchored on five key objectives:

1.      Engagement with Naval Veterans and Veer Naaris – A heartfelt initiative to express gratitude and reinforce the Navy’s enduring support for its extended family.

2.      Support to NGOs Enroute – Demonstrating the Navy’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

3.      Promotion of Naval Awareness – Outreach activities aimed at inspiring youth and students, fostering a spirit of patriotism and maritime consciousness.

4.      Showcasing NWWA’s Contribution to Skill India – Integration with local artisans to highlight the role of NWWA in empowering communities through skill development.

5.      Honouring India’s Cultural Legacy – Visits to prominent heritage sites to pay tribute to the nation’s rich historical tapestry.

This rally stands as a testament to the Indian Navy’s dedication to national integration and its proactive efforts to connect with citizens beyond the coastline. By reaching deep into the heart of India, the Navy reaffirms its role not just as a maritime force, but as a pillar of national unity and pride.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and other dignitaries during the Combined Commanders Conference at the Army’s Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata. PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement ‘concrete steps’ to achieve greater jointness among forces to meet future challenges and prevail against any eventuality.

In his first address to the top-brass since the skirmish with Pakistan in May, Modi spoke to the officers of the three armed forces at the combined commanders’ conference in Kolkata.

In line with 2025 being the ‘Year of Reforms’, Modi instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater jointness, self-reliance and innovation to meet future challenges and prevail against any eventuality, the Ministry of Defence said.

The PM’s instructions have come just weeks after the Chiefs of the three armed forces differed on the issue of going ahead with ‘theatre commands’ but had expressed the need for ‘jointness’.

Modi also reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness of the armed forces. The PM complimented the forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, while he was briefed about the ‘new normal’ created by the operation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the commanders tomorrow.

Held once in two years, this CCC is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the armed forces, which brings together the nation’s top civilian and military leadership to exchange views and lay the groundwork for the future development of India’s military preparedness.

…..Over the last few weeks, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said ‘theatre commands’ were very important.

Speaking at the two-day seminar at Army War College in Mhow on August 27, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi had said that the Navy was committed to ‘theatreisation’ as the ultimate goal”.

A day earlier at the same event, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh advised against creating theatre commands, saying, “We, for now, don’t need any new structure.” The IAF Chief suggested a ‘joint planning and coordination centre’ in New Delhi that would communicate decisions for execution by any force.

In military terms, jointness, is a step towards creating ‘theatre commands’ and it entails coordination in planning, operations, training, communications and acquisitions. This has to be followed by integration or need to amalgamate different sensors, systems, weapons and networks of each service and have a common commander – the theatre commander — for execution of tasks.

‘Theatre commands’ – the nomenclature — is military jargon for creating geographically defined area of operations. It would have a single military commander controlling all war-fighting assets of three armed forces like planes, copter, guns, tanks, equipment, ships, missiles and manpower. This is visualised as a self-contained formation.

For achieving jointness and integration the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan listed 196 tasks for integration of forces, off which some 56 have been completed, so far.

Chandigarh: The Airawat Division of Kharga Corps marked the Diamond Jubilee of the Division’s historic victory in the Battle of Phillora during the 1965 War against Pakistan through a series of commemorative events at Patiala Military Station. The event drew participation from war veterans, serving personnel, senior dignitaries, families of martyrs, schoolchildren, and citizens at large.

The evening was a fitting tribute to the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers who, in the face of daunting challenges, defended the sovereignty and honour of the nation. With a thoughtfully curated blend of traditional and modern elements, including the felicitation of war veterans, the release of a commemorative first day cover, a state-of-the-art drone display, and the screening of a short war film, the programme encapsulated the rich heritage and ethos of the Indian Army. The solemn yet uplifting ceremony commenced with the felicitation of veterans who fought gallantly in pivotal battles, leaving behind a legacy of courage and selflessness. The felicitation ceremony not only paid homage to the sacrifices of these warriors, but also served as a bridge between generations, reminding the youth of the priceless freedom and peace safeguarded by the armed forces.

A highlight of the evening was the release of a First Day Cover (FDC) dedicated to the occasion. Unveiled by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, the First Day Cover bore symbolic illustrations of the war, honouring the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers. It was designed to capture the essence of the Army’s indomitable spirit—depicting soldiers in action, national symbols, and an artistic portrayal of the battlefield.

One of the most impactful segments of the evening was the screening of a short movie on the war. The film depicted the sequence of events, strategies, and gallant actions from the battlefield. For younger audiences, the movie served as an educational experience—bringing history out of textbooks and presenting it as a living narrative. For veterans and their families, it was a reminder that their sacrifices were not forgotten. The movie concluded with a resounding tribute to the martyrs and veterans, reminding all present that the price of freedom is paid through the sacrifices of our brave soldiers. The event culminated with a breathtaking drone display, forming intricate formations that highlighted the Diamond Jubilee of the decisive victory of the Indian Army during the 1965 War. The drone display was a reflection of the Division’s forward-looking ethos, deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing modernity and innovation.

Three-day field training drill tested unmanned aerial systems for surveillance, targeting and precision strikes

The Indian Army successfully conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar from September 8 to 10, 2025, a major field training exercise aimed at validating the employment of drone technology in modern tactical operations.

According to a senior Defence official, the exercise was held under realistic battlefield conditions and marked “a significant step in operational preparedness” by integrating unmanned aerial systems across tactical and operational depths. The drones were employed for persistent surveillance, battlefield reconnaissance, target acquisition and precision strikes, underscoring their role in enhancing combat effectiveness.

The central focus of the exercise was the development and validation of new Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for future battlefields. These included methods of fusing drone-derived intelligence with conventional firepower, refining joint targeting processes and ensuring rapid decision-making in dynamic combat environments. The exercise highlighted the importance of adaptability and synergy between traditional combat arms and emerging technological enablers, the official added.

The outcomes of the exercise are expected to provide lessons for operational integration, employment concepts and force multiplication. More importantly, it showcased the Army’s resolve to harness technology as a decisive factor in securing operational superiority.

Exercise Siyom Prahar reflected the Indian Army’s proactive approach to adapting to modern warfare and its emphasis on future-readiness.

In a remarkable display of operational prowess, the elite troops of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps conducted a high-intensity exercise titled ‘Dibang Shakti’ deep in the challenging terrain of Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh.

The troops showcased exceptional skill in a variety of tactical domains, including specialised survival techniques, jungle warfare, and combat free falls operations.

‘Dibang Shakti’ was aimed at reinforcing the preparedness of the troops to counter unconventional threats and conduct rapid-response operations in high-altitude and jungle environments. 🫡 🇮🇳

Second in series of eight ASW-SWC, ‘Androth’ strengthens the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’

he Indian Navy has received an indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare ship that is expected to boost its maritime prowess against the backdrop of China’s growing forays into the Indian Ocean.

‘Androth’, the second of the eight anti-submarine warfare-shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on Saturday, marking yet another step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, according to an official readout.

The ASW-SWC ships are being inducted into the Navy to strengthen its anti-submarine and coastal surveillance capabilities.

The name ‘Androth’ holds strategic and symbolic significance as it is derived from the Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, underscoring India’s commitment to safeguarding its vast maritime territories.

These ships at approximately 77-metre length are the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by a diesel engine-waterjet combination and are equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes and indigenous anti-submarine warfare rockets, officials said.

“Androth’s delivery is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous shipbuilding upholding the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with over 80 per cent indigenous content and stands as a testament to growing domestic capabilities and reducing dependency on imports,” the Navy said in the readout.

The train carried 753 metric tonnes of Advance Winter Stocking load for the Army units and formations stationed in Jammu & Kashmir

The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) witnessed a historic milestone with the successful run of the first exclusive freight train of the Army, from BD Bari near Samba to Anantnag on September 12-13.This is strategically significant as it gives a boost to the logistics capability of the Army.

The train carried 753 metric tonnes of Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) load for the Army units and formations stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a decisive turning point in the AWS operations. This initiative underscores the Army’s ongoing capability development efforts to ensure operational preparedness in challenging Himalayan terrain, a defence spokesperson said on Monday.

Earlier, logistic support to Kashmir depended upon road convoys and in winters of monsoons, these were often disrupted due to snow and landslides. Sources said that the rail link to Kashmir would also benefit logistic support further on to Kargil and Ladakh sectors.

In a unique demonstration of dual-use logistics and military–civil fusion, the return rake of the freight train will transport Kashmiri apples to markets in the rest of India. This step not only strengthens the Army’s winter preparedness, but also provides direct benefits to local communities, Army officers said.

Farmers, who in the past suffered heavy losses due to road blockages caused by landslides and floods, will now be able to transport their produce seamlessly, ensuring both economic relief and livelihood security.

The initiative reflects the Army’s role extending beyond its core mission of defence to contribute tangibly to the socio-economic development of Kashmir. By harnessing rail infrastructure for both military and civilian purposes, the Army has taken a major stride in strengthening resilience, connectivity and prosperity in the region, the spokesperson said.

Built at a cost of Rs 43,780 crore, the 272-km-long rail link was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year. The line cuts through some of the most challenging terrain in the Himalayas and provides all weather connectivity to Kashmir.

The project features 36 main tunnels covering nearly 120 km, eight escape tunnels and 943 bridges that span rivers, gorges, and mountain passes. Its notable features include the Chenab bridge, which at 359 metres above the riverbed, is the world’s highest railway arch bridge.

Says judiciary has been compromised as has been the poll panel

New Delhi: Historian Pushpesh Pant, former Hindu College principal Kavita Sharma, former foreign secretaries Shyam Saran and Shivshankar Menon, and former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi during a discussion on the book, ‘Democracy’s Heartland: Inside the Battle for Power in South Asia’, written by Quraishi, in New Delhi, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)(PTI09_15_2025_000426A)

Have worst system of picking election commissioners: Quraishi

Says judiciary has been compromised as has been the poll panel

Animesh Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, Updated At : 03:18 AM Sep 16, 2025 IST

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New Delhi: Historian Pushpesh Pant, former Hindu College principal Kavita Sharma, former foreign secretaries Shyam Saran and Shivshankar Menon, and former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi during a discussion on the book, ‘Democracy’s Heartland: Inside the Battle for Power in South Asia’, written by Quraishi, in New Delhi, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)(PTI09_15_2025_000426A)

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Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi on Monday noted that despite being the biggest democracy, India had the worst system of appointment of an election commissioner. However, he added that with the Constitution giving immense powers to an election commissioner, it is up to the appointed person to show some backbone.

He even noted with concern that judiciary in India had been compromised as had been the poll panel. But he added that the Constitution could not be faulted for this, because in the words of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Constitution is as good or as bad as the people who it is administering.

However in the same breath, Quraishi refrained from commenting on how the judiciary and the EC had been subjugated, saying that it was a matter of speculation. Quraishi’s comments came amid the raging debate in recent times over the process of appointment of the CEC, where the CJI has been replaced by a Cabinet Minister from the selection panel, which is led by the PM and also consists of the Leader of Opposition.

Advertisement”In the last two to three years, there has been a debate about the process of selection of election commissioners in India. I was also a beneficiary of political benevolence as the then ruling party (the Congress) had appointed me. But the Constitution had given me protection and so the moment I sat on the chair (of the CEC), I distanced myself from the government and censured the law minister who had issued my appointment letter. We (Election Commission of India) also chargesheeted three ministers of the Congress for violation of the model code of conduct,” the former CEC said, while participating in a discussion over his latest book titled ‘Democracy’s Heartland’.

He went on to add, “India is the best and biggest democracy on Earth, but has the worst system of appointing the CEC, which affects our credibility.”

Quraishi illustrated the example of Nepal, which he said, had a much better system of appointment of an election commissioner.

To a question on whether only the system of appointment of a CEC was flawed or also the system, which says that once elections are announced, no judiciary can act against it, the former poll body chief said, “In fact, the most brilliant part of the Constitution is Article 329, which debars judiciary from interfering in elections and which is why we have managed to always conduct elections on time and not once since Independence has any election been delayed or disrupted. Article 329 was challenged in Supreme Court in 1951, but the apex court came up with the verdict that the Constitution is clear that no court, including the Supreme Court can interfere when elections are in motion.”

This is the reason why India has managed to conduct elections on time always and the transition of power has been smooth and no dispute has ever been reported, Quraishi said.

Responding to a question by the moderator of the event, Pushpesh Pant, over the probability of the judiciary choosing to look the other way and taking years in disposing of petitions challenging an election, and the Election Commission announcing polls, Quraishi said, “It is a matter of concern that our judiciary has been compromised. This institution has gone down as has the Election Commission. But it is not the fault of the Constitution, as Dr BR Ambedkar had said that a Constitution is as good or as bad as the people who it is administering. How the judiciary and the Election Commission have been subjugated is a matter of speculation and I would rather not comment on it.”

Nestled in the lap of the snow-draped Dhauladhar ranges lies Veer Bhoomi Himachal, a land where every mountain peak whispers tales of valour. Among its proudest sons shines Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, whose life and legacy embody courage, duty and sacrifice. His story, however, is not just that of one man, but of an entire family whose veins flowed with service to the nation.

The roots of a soldier

Born on January 31, 1923, in Jammu, Somnath was the eldest son of Major Gen Amar Nath Sharma and Saraswati Devi. His ancestry traced back to the royal Dogra durbar, where his grandfathers — Pandit Manohar Lal, a hakeem, and Pandit Daulat Ram, chief accountant — served Maharaja Pratap Singh.

This wasn’t just a family. It was a lineage steeped in discipline and patriotism. His brothers too carried the torch of military glory: Lt Gen Surinder Nath Sharma distinguished himself in the Army, while Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma went on to serve as the 14th Chief of Army Staff. Together, they stood as five hearts with one mission — service to the motherland.

Lessons from the Gita, spirit of the Himalayas

As a boy, Somnath was shaped by two forces: The Himalayan spirit of resilience and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, instilled by his grandfather. The philosophy of karma and dharma became his compass, guiding him through schooling at Sherwood College, Nainital, and later at the Prince of Wales Royal Military College, Dehradun.

Commissioned into the 19th Hyderabad Regiment on February 22, 1942, he first saw action during World War II in Burma under the legendary Col KS Thimmayya. But destiny awaited him in 1947, when the newly independent India faced its first great trial.

Budgam: Where duty became immortality

On November 3, 1947, Major Somnath Sharma, his left arm in plaster, refused to stay back from action. Leading D-Company of the 4th Kumaon Regiment, he faced nearly 700 Pakistani raiders, outnumbered seven to one.

Under a hail of bullets and mortar fire, Somnath sprinted across posts, personally distributing ammunition and even manning light machine guns. His defiance bought precious hours, long enough for Indian reinforcements to secure Srinagar airport, the strategic lifeline of Kashmir.

As the enemy closed in, his final radio message echoed with unwavering resolve: “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.” Moments later, a mortar shell struck. His body was found with a Bhagavad Gita in his chest pocket, alongside the leather holster of his pistol — symbols of both his faith and his fight.

The circle of valour

In a stirring twist of fate, the Param Vir Chakra itself carried a family connection. Designed by Savitri Khanolkar, a Swiss-Indian woman married into the Army, the medal of supreme courage was first awarded posthumously to Somnath Sharma, the brother of her own son-in-law. The medal’s legacy thus came full circle, binding creator and recipient in eternal honour.

Voices of love and pride

His family never saw his sacrifice as loss, but as the fulfilment of duty. Lt Gen SN Sharma, his younger brother, recalled with quiet pride: “My elder brother did not go to the battlefield to die, but to fight and secure victory. What happened was simply in the line of duty—nothing less, nothing more.”

His father, Maj Gen Amar Nath Sharma, turned grief into service. In 1954, he established a charitable dispensary at Dadh, bringing healthcare to a region where it was once a distant dream.

His siblings, who rose to the highest ranks, carried his memory as a living flame.

Legacy beyond memorials

Today, Major Somnath Sharma’s name stands not only in stone memorials but also in living memory of India. His story continues to inspire cadets, soldiers and citizens alike — that true patriotism is quiet pride, steadfast duty and the courage to stand firm, even when outnumbered.

As the winds sweep across Kangra’s temple-studded hills, one can almost hear his vow resound in the valleys: “I shall not withdraw an inch.” In that echo lives not just the spirit of one man, but the undying flame of a family that gave India its first true hero.