A Tale of Valour
Class 8 · English
3 ideas in Class 8 English, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.
The Battle of Badgam
Part of: Story and Historical Events
On 3 November 1947, D Company of the 4th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, under Major Somnath Sharma, faced about 500 enemy infiltrators near Badgam village, which was less than 5 km from the Srinagar airport. Though outnumbered seven to one, Major Sharma's 90 soldiers held their ground for over six hours, buying time for reinforcements. The enemy suffered more than 300 casualties. Major Sharma was killed at age 24 and became the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, awarded posthumously.
Why it matters. Understanding real acts of courage and sacrifice builds an appreciation for those who protect the nation and for the importance of duty.
Try it in two minutes
- Ask your child: why was the village of Badgam important for the Srinagar airport?
- Ask: what did Major Sharma do even though his hand was in plaster?
- Ask: what does 'posthumously' mean and why was the award given that way?
Try at home. Ask your child to name two decisions Major Sharma made during the battle that showed leadership.
Early Life and Military Career
Part of: Life and Legacy
Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. He came from a military family — his father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, served the nation. He studied at Sherwood College, Nainital and trained at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the 8th Battalion, 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942 and served in the Arakan Campaign in Burma during World War II, earning mentions in despatches.
Why it matters. Knowing the background of a hero gives context to their courage — values like duty and discipline are built over a lifetime.
Try it in two minutes
- Ask your child: what does 'commissioned' mean in a military context?
- Ask: what does 'mentions in despatches' mean?
- Ask: how did Major Sharma's family background influence him?
Try at home. Ask your child to list three things in Major Sharma's early life that prepared him for military service.
Values of Duty and Courage
Part of: Life and Legacy
The chapter highlights three core values: duty (choosing to serve even when injured), courage (standing firm despite being outnumbered seven to one), and patriotism (putting the nation's safety above personal safety). Major Sharma's famous words — 'I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to the last man and the last round' — capture all three values in one sentence.
Why it matters. Reflecting on real examples of courage and duty helps young learners understand what these abstract values mean in practice.
Try it in two minutes
- Ask your child to explain Major Sharma's famous last words in their own words.
- Ask: what do you think 'duty' means to a soldier?
- Discuss: can courage be shown in everyday life, not just on a battlefield?
Try at home. Ask your child to write two sentences about a person they know who shows courage or duty in ordinary life.
What your child will practise
- Early Life and Military Career: Desert Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
- Early Life and Military Career: Ocean Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- Early Life and Military Career: Word Quest (Match It Up)
- The Battle of Badgam: Explorer'S Map Quest (Collect the Answer)
- Values of Duty and Courage: Candy Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- Quiz: Early Life and Military Career (8 questions)
- Quiz: The Battle of Badgam (8 questions)
- Quiz: Values of Duty and Courage (8 questions)