Heroes in the Classroom: NCERT Adds Chapters on Manekshaw, Usman, and Sharma to Inspire Young Minds

In a landmark move to deepen students’ understanding of India’s military history and valor, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced chapters on three legendary war heroes—Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Major Somnath Sharma—into the school syllabus for the current academic year. The initiative, announced jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education on August 7, 2025, aims to instill values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism among students from an early age.

The newly added chapters will feature in Class 8 (Urdu) for Field Marshal Manekshaw, Class 7 (Urdu) for Brigadier Usman, and Class 8 (English) for Major Sharma. These inclusions are part of a broader effort to integrate the National War Memorial into the educational framework and promote national consciousness.

Key highlights from the curriculum update:

1. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s first officer to be conferred the rank of Field Marshal, is celebrated for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. His chapter will explore his military journey, leadership philosophy, and the pivotal role he played in shaping India’s defense strategy.

2. Brigadier Mohammad Usman, posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, is remembered for his heroism during the 1947–48 conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. His story will highlight his unwavering commitment to duty and his ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

3. Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, laid down his life defending the Srinagar airport in 1947. His chapter will delve into his final battle, his bravery under fire, and the legacy he left behind.

4. The chapters are designed not only to narrate historical events but also to offer students life lessons in resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and civic responsibility.

5. The initiative is closely tied to the National War Memorial, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. Located at the Central Vista ‘C’ Hexagon near India Gate, the memorial honors soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

6. By incorporating these stories into the curriculum, the government aims to foster a deeper sense of belonging, national pride, and moral values among students.

7. The Defence Ministry emphasized that these narratives will serve as powerful tools for character building, helping students appreciate the sacrifices made by the armed forces and understand the importance of service to the nation.

8. The chapters have been curated to be age-appropriate, engaging, and reflective, ensuring that students not only learn about historical figures but also connect with their values and motivations.

9. Educational experts have welcomed the move, noting that it bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-life inspiration. It also aligns with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on holistic and values-based education.

10. The inclusion of these chapters marks a significant step in reshaping how history and patriotism are taught in Indian schools, making military valor an integral part of the national narrative for future generations.

Sources: News18, The Hindu, Economic Times, MSN India