“A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers” is about two friends. Soumya visits the National War Memorial and writes to Ananda. She shares stories of brave soldiers who died for India. Ananda feels inspired and wants to honour them too. Their letters show gratitude for freedom.
1. Introduction to the Letters
- Who Writes:
- Soumya from Bengaluru writes to Ananda.
- Ananda from Chandigarh replies back.
- What They Share:
- They talk about brave soldiers.
- They feel thankful for their freedom.
- Why They Write:
- Soumya visits the National War Memorial.
- It inspires her to share with Ananda.
2. Soumya’s Letter – The Visit
- She writes on 14 April 2022.
- She’s from Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
- Her school takes her to New Delhi.
- She visits the National War Memorial.
- It started in April 2018, finished in February 2019.
- PM Narendra Modi opened it near India Gate.
- It covers 40 acres and honours soldiers.
3. Why the Memorial Matters
- India fought many wars after independence.
- Soldiers died to keep us safe.
- Each brick has a soldier’s name.
- It lists 26,000 names from wars since 1947.
- Indo-China War of 1962.
- Indo-Pak Wars of 1965 and 1971.
- Kargil War of 1999.
4. Gallantry Awards
- Top Award:
- Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest award.
- 21 soldiers got it for bravery.
- First PVC:
- Major Somnath Sharma got it in 1947.
- He died in the Battle of Badgam.
- Other Awards:
- Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC).
- Vir Chakra (VrC), Shaurya Chakra (SC).
5. Heroes of 1971 War
- PVC Winners:
- Lance Naik Albert Ekka fought bravely.
- Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon died.
- Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal sacrificed.
- Major Hoshiar Singh showed courage.
- MVC Winner:
- Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla led well.
- He got it for his Navy service.
6. Lance Naik Albert Ekka’s Story
- He was in 14 Guards in Gangasagar.
- He attacked a strong enemy post.
- He silenced a machine gun alone.
- He kept fighting despite wounds.
- He threw a grenade and bayoneted enemies.
- He died but won the battle.
- He got PVC after his death.
7. Amar Jawan Jyoti
- It’s an eternal flame for soldiers.
- It burns day and night.
- It started at India Gate in 1972.
- Now it’s at the Memorial with a new flame.
- It has an obelisk and wreaths.
- It looks grand from dawn to dusk.
8. The Four Chakras
- Amar Chakra:
- It’s the Circle of Immortality.
- It has the eternal flame.
- Veerta Chakra:
- It’s the Circle of Bravery.
- It shows six brave battle scenes.
- Tyag Chakra:
- It’s the Circle of Sacrifice.
- It has names of fallen heroes.
- Raksha Chakra:
- It’s the Circle of Protection.
- Trees show soldiers guarding us.
9. Soumya’s Feelings
- She spent a day at the Memorial.
- It felt solemn and inspiring.
- Wars cause loss but soldiers save us.
- She wants to live worthy of them.
- She’ll present Major Padmapani Acharya’s story.
- He got MVC in the Kargil War.
10. Major Padmapani Acharya’s Story
- He led 2 Rajputana Rifles in Kargil.
- He attacked a tough enemy post.
- He charged despite heavy fire.
- He threw grenades though injured.
- He kept fighting till the end.
- He died but won the battle.
- He wrote he wasn’t scared to die.
- He quoted the Gita about duty.
11. Ananda’s Reply
- He writes on 24 April 2022.
- He’s from Chandigarh.
: - He loves Soumya’s detailed letter.
- He feels inspired to join the army.
- Memorials show gratitude.
- Soldiers let us live freely.
12. Ananda’s Memory
- He saw Chandigarh’s War Memorial.
- It was on National Martyrs Day.
- People offered flowers and prayers.
- He joined to honour soldiers.
- “Pushp ki Abhilasha” by Makhanlal Chaturvedi.
- It’s about a flower wanting to honour heroes.
13. Captain Anuj Nayyar
- He was in 17 Jat regiment.
- He fought in the Kargil War.
- He got MVC after his death.
- It was for his bravery in 1999.
- Meena Nayyar wrote about him.
- Ananda wants to read it.
14. Comprehension Check (Soumya’s Letter)
- Memorial Location and Meaning:
- It’s near India Gate in Delhi.
- It honours soldiers who died for us.
- Highest Award:
- Param Vir Chakra is the top honour.
- It’s given for extreme bravery.
- Chakras’ Walls:
- They show bravery, sacrifice, protection.
- Names and scenes are on them.
- Feelings Evoked:
- Wonder at the grand design.
- Heartening to see recognition.
- Motivation from soldiers’ courage.
- Pride in our nation.
- Inspiration from their stories.
- Sadness for their loss.
- Gratitude for freedom.
- Visual beauty of the site.
15. Comprehension Check (Ananda’s Letter)
- Book He Wants:
- He wants “Tiger of Drass” by Meena Nayyar.
- It’s about Captain Anuj Nayyar’s sacrifice.
- His Feelings:
- He feels motivated and grateful.
- Soumya’s letter inspires him.
- Poem Reminder:
- It fits soldiers giving their lives.
- He recalls it from his visit.
- His Actions:
- Visit war memorials.
- Share ideas with classmates.
- Create a collage of heroes.
- Join the army to serve.
16. Questions and Answers
- Why Are War Memorials Built?:
- To remember soldiers who died.
- To show thanks for their sacrifice.
- Why Is It Our Duty to Pay Homage to Our Brave Soldiers?:
- They gave their lives for us.
- We live free because of them.
- Why Is It a Good Idea to Make a Presentation in Front of the Whole School?:
- It teaches everyone about heroes.
- It inspires students to be brave.
- Why Were the Students Awestruck and Humbled – Explain in Your Own Words?:
- They saw how brave soldiers were.
- They felt small next to such courage.
- Wars and Soldiers:
- Indo-China War: 1962, many soldiers.
- Indo-Pak Wars: 1965, 1971, Ekka, Sekhon.
- Kargil War: 1999, Acharya, Nayyar.
Download Free Mind Map from the link below
This mind map contains all important topics of this chapter
Visit our Class 7 English page for free mind maps of all Chapters