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A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

NCERT Class 7 · English Based on NCERT Class 7 English textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter is a tribute to the brave soldiers of India who have sacrificed their lives to protect the nation's freedom and territorial integrity. It is presented through an exchange of letters between two friends, Soumya and Ananda, where Soumya shares her experience of visiting the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The one big idea a student must walk away with is that the freedom and peace we enjoy today are the result of the supreme sacrifices made by our armed forces, and it is our duty to remember, honour, and express gratitude towards them.
Key Concepts (27)
Homage
Something that is said or done to show respect publicly for someone.
e.g. Every Indian should pay homage to the soldiers who died for the country by visiting a war memorial or observing a moment of silence on Republic Day.
Territorial integrity
Safeguarding a nation's borders and ensuring that no foreign power can take over its land.
e.g. India fought wars to protect its territorial integrity from enemies who tried to cross its borders.
Envisioned
Visualised or imagined something that is to be created in the future.
e.g. The architect envisioned the National War Memorial as a place of pride and remembrance for all Indians.
Iconic
Celebrated and widely recognised as a symbol of something important.
e.g. The India Gate is an iconic monument in New Delhi that represents the sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
Tribute
An act or statement showing respect, gratitude, or admiration for someone.
e.g. The students paid tribute to the soldiers by placing wreaths at the war memorial.
Etched
Engraved or carved permanently onto a surface, such as stone or metal.
e.g. The names of 26,000 fallen soldiers are etched on the tablets at the National War Memorial.
Gallantry
Exceptional courage, especially in battle.
e.g. Lance Naik Albert Ekka showed great gallantry when he silenced the enemy machine gun despite being injured.
Posthumously
After death; an award or honour given to someone after they have died.
e.g. Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded the first Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.
Citation
An official statement describing the meritorious performance of duty for which a gallantry award is given.
e.g. The citation for Lance Naik Albert Ekka describes how he bayoneted enemy soldiers and silenced the machine gun.
Awestruck
Amazed and filled with wonder, often leaving one speechless.
e.g. The students were awestruck when they saw the eternal flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
Commemorates
Officially remembers and shows respect for someone or an event.
e.g. The Amar Jawan Jyoti commemorates the soldiers who died in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.
Obelisk
A tall, tapering stone pillar with a pyramid-shaped top, used as a monument.
e.g. The central obelisk at the National War Memorial houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti.
Wreaths
Circular arrangements of flowers used as a mark of respect and remembrance for a person who has died.
e.g. Visitors placed wreaths at the war memorial to honour the fallen soldiers.
Interminable
Everlasting; seeming to last forever without end.
e.g. The interminable flame at the Amar Jawan Jyoti symbolises the eternal courage of the soldiers.
Murals
Large paintings or artworks created directly on a wall.
e.g. The Veerta Chakra has six bronze murals depicting battle actions of the armed forces.
Discourses
Serious discussions or conversations on different topics.
e.g. The discourses during the visit to the war memorial brought tears to Soumya's eyes.
Edifice
A large, impressive building or structure.
e.g. Some people see a war memorial as just an edifice to celebrate victory, but it is much more.
Valiant
Very brave, especially in the face of danger.
e.g. The valiant soldiers fought the enemy without any fear for their own lives.
Memoir
An account of one's personal life and experiences, often written by the person or a close relative.
e.g. Meena Nayyar wrote a memoir titled 'Tiger of Drass' about her son Captain Anuj Nayyar.
Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
India's highest wartime gallantry medal, awarded for exceptional courage in battle.
e.g. Lance Naik Albert Ekka was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his bravery in the 1971 war.
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
India's second highest gallantry award, given for exceptional valour in the presence of the enemy.
e.g. Major Padmapani Acharya was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for his leadership in the Kargil War.
Amar Chakra
The 'Circle of Immortality', the innermost circle of the National War Memorial, containing the obelisk with the eternal flame.
e.g. The Amar Chakra symbolises that the nation will never forget the sacrifice of the soldiers.
Veerta Chakra
The 'Circle of Bravery', the second circle of the National War Memorial, featuring six bronze murals of battle actions.
e.g. The Veerta Chakra displays the bravery of the armed forces through its murals.
Tyag Chakra
The 'Circle of Sacrifice', the third circle of the National War Memorial, with granite tablets bearing the names of fallen soldiers in golden letters.
e.g. The Tyag Chakra honours each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Raksha Chakra
The 'Circle of Protection', the outermost circle of the National War Memorial, with rows of trees symbolising soldiers who protect the nation.
e.g. The Raksha Chakra reassures citizens of their safety against any threat.
Amar Jawan Jyoti
The immortal flame that burns day and night to honour the sacrifices of soldiers; located in the obelisk at the National War Memorial.
e.g. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was originally lit under the arch of India Gate in 1972 and later merged with the flame at the National War Memorial.
Chakravyuh
An ancient war formation; the concentric walls of the Tyag Chakra are designed to resemble this formation.
e.g. The design of the Tyag Chakra is inspired by the Chakravyuh, a battle formation from Indian history.
How It Works
Structure and Design of the National War Memorial
  1. The memorial consists of four concentric circles: Amar Chakra (innermost), Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra, and Raksha Chakra (outermost).
  2. At the centre is a 15-metre-tall obelisk housing the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame.
  3. The Amar Chakra symbolises immortality and contains the obelisk with the flame.
  4. The Veerta Chakra is a covered gallery with six bronze murals depicting valiant battle actions.
  5. The Tyag Chakra has concentric walls covered with granite tablets, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier in golden letters.
  6. The Raksha Chakra has rows of trees representing soldiers who ensure the nation's safety.
💡 Students often confuse the order of the chakras. Remember: Amar (immortality) is innermost, then Veerta (bravery), then Tyag (sacrifice), and Raksha (protection) is outermost.
How Gallantry Awards are Given
  1. A soldier performs an act of exceptional courage in battle or during a conflict.
  2. The act is officially documented in a citation, which describes the soldier's actions in detail.
  3. The award is announced in the Gazette of India, an official government publication.
  4. The award may be given posthumously if the soldier dies in the act of bravery.
  5. The highest wartime gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra, followed by the Maha Vir Chakra.
💡 Students often forget that the Param Vir Chakra is specifically a 'wartime' gallantry award, not for peacetime bravery. Peacetime awards include Ashoka Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
How the Amar Jawan Jyoti was Established
  1. The original Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit under the arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India's victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan War.
  2. It displayed a rifle and a helmet as symbols of a soldier.
  3. When the National War Memorial was inaugurated in February 2019, a new flame was lit in the obelisk.
  4. Later, the old flame at India Gate was merged with the new flame at the National War Memorial.
💡 Students often think the Amar Jawan Jyoti was always at the National War Memorial. In fact, it was originally at India Gate and later moved.
How the National War Memorial and Museum App Works
  1. The app is interactive and provides information about the war memorial.
  2. It answers queries in 21 languages.
  3. Users can view murals and learn about the stories of soldiers.
💡 This app is a modern tool for spreading awareness; students should mention it as a way to learn about war heroes.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ Confusing Param Vir Chakra with Maha Vir Chakra
✗ The Maha Vir Chakra is India's highest gallantry award.
→ The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest wartime gallantry award, while the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest.
✓ India's highest wartime gallantry award is the Param Vir Chakra (PVC).
⚠ Mixing up the Four Chakras of the National War Memorial
✗ The Tyag Chakra is the Circle of Bravery.
→ The Tyag Chakra is the Circle of Sacrifice, not Bravery. The Veerta Chakra is the Circle of Bravery.
✓ The Tyag Chakra is the 'Circle of Sacrifice', and the Veerta Chakra is the 'Circle of Bravery'.
⚠ Thinking the Amar Jawan Jyoti was Always at the National War Memorial
✗ The Amar Jawan Jyoti was built at the National War Memorial in 2019.
→ The Amar Jawan Jyoti was originally lit under the arch of India Gate in January 1972. It was later merged with the flame at the National War Memorial in 2019.
✓ The Amar Jawan Jyoti was originally established at India Gate in 1972 and later merged with the flame at the National War Memorial.
⚠ Forgetting that Awards Can Be Given Posthumously
✗ Major Somnath Sharma received the Param Vir Chakra while he was alive.
→ Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, meaning after his death in the Battle of Badgam in 1947.
✓ Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India's first Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the Battle of Badgam.
⚠ Confusing 'Homage' with 'Tribute'
✗ Homage means giving a gift to someone.
→ Homage specifically means showing public respect, not giving a material gift. Tribute is similar but can include acts or statements of gratitude.
✓ Homage means something said or done to show respect publicly for someone, such as visiting a war memorial or observing a moment of silence.
Compare & Contrast
Rank and significance
Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
Param Vir Chakra is India's highest wartime gallantry award, while Maha Vir Chakra is the second highest gallantry award.
Meaning and purpose
Amar Chakra
Tyag Chakra
Amar Chakra is the 'Circle of Immortality' symbolising the eternal spirit of soldiers, while Tyag Chakra is the 'Circle of Sacrifice' honouring each fallen soldier with their name etched on granite tablets.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Very Short Answer (1 mark), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks)
Most asked: Significance of the National War Memorial · Names and contributions of gallantry award winners (Major Somnath Sharma, Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Major Padmapani Acharya) · Meaning and importance of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra · The four chakras of the National War Memorial · Concept of paying homage to soldiers
Don't skip: Describe the structure and significance of the National War Memorial.; Explain the bravery of Lance Naik Albert Ekka with reference to his citation.; Why is it our duty to pay homage to our brave soldiers?
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. Homage means showing public respect for someone, and every Indian should pay homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
  2. The National War Memorial in New Delhi was inaugurated in February 2019 and is spread over 40 acres near India Gate.
  3. The memorial has four concentric circles: Amar Chakra (immortality), Veerta Chakra (bravery), Tyag Chakra (sacrifice), and Raksha Chakra (protection).
  4. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is an eternal flame that symbolises the immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers.
  5. Param Vir Chakra is India's highest wartime gallantry award, and Major Somnath Sharma was the first to receive it posthumously.
  6. Lance Naik Albert Ekka was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for silencing enemy machine guns despite being seriously wounded in the 1971 war.
  7. Major Padmapani Acharya was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously for his leadership in the Kargil War of 1999.
  8. The Tyag Chakra has granite tablets with the names of over 26,000 fallen soldiers etched in golden letters.
  9. The Raksha Chakra has rows of trees that symbolise the soldiers who protect the nation's territorial integrity.
  10. Soumya's visit to the National War Memorial inspired her to join the Army and be courageous like the soldiers.
  11. Ananda was reminded of the poem 'Pushp ki Abhilasha' by Makhanlal Chaturvedi, which expresses a flower's wish to be offered for the nation's heroes.
  12. The National War Memorial and Museum app provides information in 21 languages and helps spread awareness about war heroes.
  13. Captain Anuj Nayyar was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his valour in the Kargil War, and his mother wrote a memoir titled 'Tiger of Drass'.
  14. It is our duty to periodically visit war memorials to honour the valiant soldiers who enable us to live in peace and freedom.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. What does the term 'homage' mean?

  • A. Something said or done to show respect publicly for someone ✓
  • B. A type of military uniform
  • C. A building used for meetings
  • D. A written document describing history

Answer: A — Homage is defined in the text as publicly showing respect for someone through words or actions.

Q2. In which year was the National War Memorial inaugurated?

  • A. 2017
  • B. 2018
  • C. 2019 ✓
  • D. 2020

Answer: C — The text clearly states that the National War Memorial was completed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019.

Q3. How many names of fallen soldiers are etched on the National War Memorial tablets?

  • A. 10,000
  • B. 26,000 ✓
  • C. 29,000
  • D. 40,000

Answer: B — The text specifies that more than 26,000 names of fallen soldiers have been etched on 29,000 tablets.

Q4. Rajesh reads that the Param Vir Chakra is India's highest wartime gallantry medal. Which characteristic of the PVC does this information reveal?

  • A. It is awarded to all soldiers after retirement
  • B. It recognizes exceptional courage and bravery in battle ✓
  • C. It is given to soldiers who complete 10 years of service
  • D. It is a decoration worn during peace ceremonies only

Answer: B — The text defines the Param Vir Chakra as the highest wartime gallantry medal awarded for exceptional courage, which reveals its purpose of recognizing bravery in battle.

Q5. Which of the following wars is NOT mentioned as being commemorated on the National War Memorial?

  • A. Indo-China conflict of 1962
  • B. Indo-Pakistan War of 1971
  • C. First World War ✓
  • D. Kargil War of 1999

Answer: C — The text specifically lists the Indo-China (1962), Indo-Pak Wars (1965 & 1971), and Kargil War (1999) as commemorated; the First World War is not mentioned.

Q6. Priya learns that Major Somnath Sharma was awarded the Param Vir Chakra after his death in the Battle of Badgam. What does the term 'posthumously' mean in this context?

  • A. During active military service
  • B. After the person's death ✓
  • C. Before joining the army
  • D. Upon retirement from service

Answer: B — Posthumously means the award was given after death; the text uses this term to describe Major Somnath Sharma receiving India's first Param Vir Chakra after his death in 1947.

Q7. Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit to commemorate India's victory in which war?

  • A. India-China Conflict of 1962
  • B. Indo-Pakistan War of 1965
  • C. Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 ✓
  • D. Kargil War of 1999

Answer: C — The text states that Amar Jawan Jyoti was alighted in January 1972 to commemorate India's victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.

Q8. How did Lance Naik Albert Ekka silence the enemy Light Machine Gun according to his citation?

  • A. He fired continuously to destroy the weapon
  • B. He charged the enemy bunker and bayoneted two enemy soldiers ✓
  • C. He threw explosives from a safe distance
  • D. He persuaded enemy soldiers to surrender

Answer: B — The citation explicitly describes how Lance Naik Albert Ekka charged the enemy bunker with complete disregard for personal safety and bayoneted two enemy soldiers to silence the Light Machine Gun.

Q9. The writer of the letter claims that visiting the National War Memorial motivated her to aspire for a military career. Which detail from the citation best supports her inspiration?

  • A. Lance Naik Albert Ekka fought in battles near India Gate
  • B. He received a medal before returning to his family
  • C. He displayed undaunted courage, made the supreme sacrifice, and followed Army traditions ✓
  • D. He was from the 14 Guards Battalion

Answer: C — The text shows the writer was motivated by learning about Lance Naik's 'conspicuous valour, determination and supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army,' which reflects exceptional courage worthy of aspiration.

Q10. Based on the letter, what is the main purpose of the National War Memorial?

  • A. To attract tourists to India Gate
  • B. To ensure we never forget the cost of freedom and remember soldiers' sacrifices ✓
  • C. To display government buildings and monuments
  • D. To celebrate India's architectural achievements only

Answer: B — The writer explicitly states that monuments like the National War Memorial are extremely important so that we never forget the cost of freedom and are always aware of soldiers' sacrifices.

Flashcards

What is homage?

Homage means showing respect publicly for someone through words or actions.

When was the National War Memorial inaugurated?

The National War Memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019.

How many soldiers' names are etched on the National War Memorial tablets?

More than 26,000 names of fallen soldiers are etched on 29,000 tablets at the memorial.

What is the Param Vir Chakra?

The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest wartime gallantry medal awarded for exceptional courage in battle.

Who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?

Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India's first Param Vir Chakra in 1947 during the Battle of Badgam.

What wars are commemorated on the National War Memorial?

The memorial commemorates soldiers from the Indo-China conflict (1962), Indo-Pak Wars (1965 & 1971), and Kargil War (1999).

What does the Amar Jawan Jyoti represent?

The Amar Jawan Jyoti is an immortal flame kept burning day and night to revere the sacrifices of fallen soldiers.

How did Lance Naik Albert Ekka display bravery according to his citation?

He silenced enemy machine guns despite serious injuries, charging bunkers with disregard for personal safety and ultimately making the supreme sacrifice.

Over how many acres is the National War Memorial spread?

The National War Memorial is spread over 40 acres of land near the iconic India Gate in New Delhi.

What made the writer aspire to join the Army?

Reading Lance Naik Albert Ekka's citation and learning about his exceptional courage and sacrifice motivated the writer to aspire to military service.

Important Board Questions

What is the National War Memorial and why did the government create it? [2 marks]

Define the memorial (40 acres, near India Gate, inaugurated 2019), and explain its purpose (remember fallen soldiers' sacrifice, ensure we never forget the cost of freedom).

Explain how Lance Naik Albert Ekka's actions demonstrated the qualities expected of a brave soldier. Support your answer with at least two examples from his citation. [3 marks]

Identify qualities: courage despite injury, disregard for personal safety, determination. Use examples: charging bunker, bayoneting enemies, crawling forward despite heavy fire, silencing machine guns to save comrades.

The writer feels inspired by her visit to the National War Memorial and aspires to join the Army. Analyze the text to explain how monuments like the National War Memorial contribute to building patriotism and a sense of duty in young citizens. Use relevant details from the passage to support your answer. [5 marks]

Discuss: how monuments preserve soldiers' names and stories (29,000 tablets, 26,000+ names); how education about sacrifice builds awareness (multiple wars commemorated); how individual examples like Lance Naik inspire action (citation motivates writer); how public remembrance strengthens national values (revering sacrifice, honoring service).

Assertion-Reason Questions for A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

Q1. Assertion (A):

The National War Memorial contains tablets bearing the names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts after India's independence.

Reason (R):

The memorial was constructed to ensure that Indians never forget the cost of freedom and to commemorate soldiers from wars like the Indo-China conflict, Indo-Pak wars, and the Kargil War.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why the tablets with soldiers' names are important at the memorial—to ensure remembrance and commemorate sacrifices.

Q2. Assertion (A):

Lance Naik Albert Ekka was awarded the Param Vir Chakra because he displayed exceptional courage and made the supreme sacrifice during the Battle of Gangasagar in 1971.

Reason (R):

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded only to soldiers who die in battle.

Answer: B — Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both statements are true—Ekka was indeed awarded the PVC posthumously for his actions. However, the reason is not the correct explanation because the PVC is awarded for exceptional gallantry and bravery, not solely because a soldier dies; the award recognizes the manner and courage of the service.

Q3. Assertion (A):

The Amar Jawan Jyoti originally located under the arch of India Gate was created to commemorate all wars fought by India since ancient times.

Reason (R):

The Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit in January 1972 to specifically commemorate India's victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false because the Amar Jawan Jyoti was created for a specific conflict (1971 war), not all wars since ancient times. The reason is true but actually contradicts the assertion's broader claim.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers

Case Study:

During an educational trip to New Delhi, a group of Class 7 students visited the National War Memorial. The teacher explained that the memorial was completed in February 2019 and serves as a tribute to Indian soldiers. The memorial contains 29,000 tablets engraved with the names of more than 26,000 soldiers who died in various wars after India's independence in 1947. The students learned that conflicts like the Indo-China War (1962), Indo-Pak Wars (1965 and 1971), and the Kargil War (1999) resulted in tremendous loss of life. The students were deeply moved by the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame kept burning day and night to honor these sacrifices. Many students decided they wanted to learn more about specific soldiers' stories to understand the human cost of war.

Q1. According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of the tablets at the National War Memorial?

  • A. To display the ranks and medals of soldiers
  • B. To bear the names of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in various wars ✓
  • C. To show the dates when different wars were fought
  • D. To identify the commanders of different military units

Answer: B

Q2. How many soldiers' names are engraved on the National War Memorial's tablets?

  • A. Approximately 29,000
  • B. More than 26,000 ✓
  • C. Exactly 40,000
  • D. Around 21,000

Answer: B

Q3. Which conflicts mentioned in the passage resulted in soldier casualties commemorated at the memorial?

  • A. Only the Indo-China War of 1962
  • B. Only the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971
  • C. The Indo-China War, Indo-Pak Wars, and the Kargil War ✓
  • D. Only the Kargil War of 1999

Answer: C

Q4. What does the Amar Jawan Jyoti symbolize according to the passage?

  • A. Military victory and national strength
  • B. The beginning of India's independence struggle
  • C. The architectural beauty of the National War Memorial
  • D. An eternal flame kept burning continuously to revere and honor soldiers' sacrifices ✓

Answer: D

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