NCERT Adds Chapters on War Heroes Manekshaw, Usman, and Sharma to Textbooks
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced new chapters on the lives of three celebrated war heroes into the school curriculum for the current academic year. Students will now learn about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma. The Defence Ministry stated the initiative, part of a collaboration with the Education Ministry, aims to instill patriotism and provide students with inspirational narratives of courage, sacrifice, and duty to the nation.
Unpacked:
Sam Manekshaw was India's first Field Marshal, known for leading India to victory in the 1971 war. Brigadier Usman, posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, died in the 1947–48 India-Pakistan conflict. Major Sharma, the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, was honored for his defense of Srinagar airport in 1947.
This initiative aims to foster patriotism and inspire students with real-life examples of courage, leadership, and sacrifice. It also seeks to strengthen the educational connection to national history and values, aligning with efforts to make the National War Memorial more prominent in national consciousness.
The chapters will appear in Class 8 (Urdu) for Sam Manekshaw, Class 7 (Urdu) for Mohammad Usman, and Class 8 (English) for Somnath Sharma. They are part of the NCERT curriculum for the 2025 academic year.
Teachers and educationists have welcomed the move, stating that such additions make history more relatable and motivational. They believe it connects textbook learning to real-life examples of bravery and leadership, helping students understand the importance of national service.