What New Lessons on Indian War Heroes Has NCERT Introduced?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NCERT introduces chapters on legendary Indian war heroes.
- The curriculum aims to instill patriotism and lessons of bravery.
- It includes stories of Field Marshal Manekshaw, Brigadier Usman, and Major Sharma.
- The initiative is part of a collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.
- Students will learn about significant events like ‘Operation Sindoor’.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) In a transformative effort to nurture patriotism and impart vital lessons on bravery and sacrifice, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled chapters dedicated to three eminent Indian military legends: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma within its revised academic curriculum.
These enhancements are part of a wider initiative to weave the legacy of the National War Memorial into school education.
The narratives of these military icons will now be included in Class VIII (English), Class VIII (Urdu), and Class VII (Urdu), as stated in a release issued by the Ministry of Defence on Thursday.
The newly introduced chapters are designed to offer students motivational stories of courage, leadership, and duty. Field Marshal Manekshaw, who was the first Indian officer to achieve the rank of Field Marshal, is renowned for his tactical prowess and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Brigadier Mohammad Usman, who was awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously, gave his life during the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict. Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra in India, was martyred in the Battle of Badgam, valiantly defending Srinagar against Pakistani intruders.
This initiative is part of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Education, and NCERT to promote the National War Memorial (NWM) among younger generations. The NWM, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019, at India Gate, serves as a solemn homage to the nation’s fallen heroes.
Additionally, it seeks to instill values of resilience, empathy, national pride, and civic responsibility in students.
In a related announcement, NCERT is also set to include ‘Operation Sindoor’—India's swift and strategic response to the tragic Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 innocent lives. This inclusion is anticipated to provide students with a modern perspective on national security and the evolving role of India’s armed forces.