SarkariPYQ

SSC Selection Post 2020 PYQ — Question 49

SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level 2020 - 14 Nov 2020 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q49

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Who among the following was the first recipient of ‘Param Vir Chakra’, India's highest military decoration?

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Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Somnath Sharma.

  • Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of India's highest military honour, the Param Vir Chakra, which he was awarded posthumously.

  • Major Somnath Sharma was commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the 19th Hyderabad Regiment in 1942. During World War II, he served in Burma’s Arakan Campaign and was mentioned in despatches for his bravery.

  • In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–48, he was killed in action on 3rd November 1947 while courageously defending the Srinagar Airport from Pakistani infiltrators during the Battle of Badgam.

  • For his exceptional gallantry and sacrifice, he was posthumously conferred with India’s highest wartime military decoration—the Param Vir Chakra, becoming its first recipient.

Param Vir Chakra

 

  • The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy during wartime.
  • It was instituted on 26 January 1950, with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947 — the day India gained independence.
  • The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar, who drew inspiration from Indian mythology and symbols of courage.
  • It is awarded to members of the Indian Armed Forces regardless of rank.