The First War - Kashmir 1947-48

Days after independence, Pakistan-backed tribal raiders invaded Kashmir. This chapter covers the first five Param Vir Chakra recipients and other heroes who defended India's new nation - from Major Somnath Sharma's last stand at Badgam to Brigadier Usman's sacrifice at Naushera.

Lessons in this chapter

• What Makes a Param Veer? — The Param Vir Chakra and India's Warrior Tradition
• The Battle of Badgam — Major Somnath Sharma - India's First PVC
• The Lone Charge of Tithwal — CHM Piru Singh's Single-Handed Assault
• The Immovable Post — Lance Naik Karam Singh - A Living Legend
• The Sappers of Jhangar — 2Lt Rama Raghoba Rane - Courage Beyond Combat
• The One-Man Army of Taindhar — Naik Jadunath Singh - 'Hanuman BhagBal Brahmachari'
• The Lion of Naushera — Brigadier Mohammad Usman - He Chose India

Back to Param Veer: Forging the Nation (1947-1971)