Books on 5 Param Veer Chakra awardees released

The Centre released a set of five illustrated books narrating valiant acts of five Param Veer Chakra awardees for children on the eve of Republic Day here on Monday.

The books, published by the National Book Trust (NBT) under ‘Veergatha’ series, were released by Human Resource Development Minister (HRD) Smriti Irani and Army chief General Dalbir Singh at a function.

The books illustrate the valiant act of Major Somnath Sharma (1947 India-Pakistan war), Major Shaitan Singh (1962 India-China war), Havildar Abdul Hamid (1965 India-Pakistan war), Second Lt Arun Khetarpal (1971 Bangladesh liberation war) and Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey (1999 Kargil war).

The NBT will publish similar books on other 16 Param Veer Chakra awardees under the “Veergatha” series, with the HRD Ministry seeking to instil a sense of “inspiration, courage and patriotism” in the country’s children “at an early age.”

“I studied in Sainik School Chittorgarh (Rajasthan), learnt about Maharana Pratap and grew up hearing Veergathas of all Ranas and Chetak (Maharana Pratap’s horse). Param Veer Chakra awardees are real heroes of the country after Independence. Children grow up reading fictional heroes (today). These ‘Gathas’ (stories) will influence our younger generation,” the Army chief said, while addressing the event.

Addressing the function, Smriti suggested for engaging ex-servicemen in providing physical training in country's schools and instilling patriotism in children by telling them stories about valiant soldiers of the country.  She also suggested that these ex-servicemen can also provide physical training to school children.

She also sought opinion of a school principal present at the function as to whether ex-servicemen can provide training to children and make them aware of the sacrifices made by the soldiers, at least twice every week.