1.7 Param Vir Chakra: Our Heroes - Class 6 - Balbharati

Author: Informational Text (Adapted)

Genre: Prose / Biographical Sketches

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Param Vir Chakra: Our Heroes introduces students to India’s highest wartime gallantry award—the Param Vir Chakra (PVC). The medal, simple in design, bears the Indian national emblem on one side and Indra’s Vajra on the other. The Vajra, made from sage Dadhichi’s bones, symbolises invincible courage. Since Independence, the PVC has been awarded only 21 times. The lesson narrates the sacrifice of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who defended Srinagar airbase in December 1971. Despite certain death, he fought bravely against six enemy Sabre jets, damaging two before his aircraft crashed. His unmatched courage earned him the PVC posthumously. The lesson also lists other PVC awardees like Major Somnath Sharma, Naik Jadunath Singh, Abdul Hamid, Arun Khetarpal, Vikram Batra, and others, representing different communities of India. The lesson inspires respect for soldiers whose bravery and sacrifice protect the nation.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson teaches that supreme courage and sacrifice for the nation are the highest virtues. The PVC winners symbolise patriotism, bravery, and unity of India.

Character Sketches

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon

• Young Indian Air Force pilot.

• Faced six enemy aircraft bravely in 1971 war.

• Damaged enemy jets despite dust and danger.

• Fought till his last breath and sacrificed life for the country.

  
  

Sage Dadhichi

• Ancient sage who gave his bones to make Indra’s Vajra.

• Symbol of sacrifice for the greater good.

• Represents courage, devotion, and selflessness.

  
  

Other PVC Awardees

• Soldiers like Major Somnath Sharma, Naik Jadunath Singh, Captain Vikram Batra.

• Showed extraordinary acts of valour.

• Belong to diverse communities, showing India’s unity.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “The soldiers were ready to sacrifice their lives.”

   Infinitive: to sacrifice – shows purpose.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Active: The President awarded him the Param Vir Chakra.

   Passive: He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra by the President.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Sentence: “We must respect our soldiers.”

   Must shows necessity.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Direct: The officer said, “I will fight till the end."

   Indirect: The officer said that he would fight till the end.

   
   

5. Wh-Question Framing

   Statement: The medal is awarded for bravery in war.

   Question: For what is the medal awarded?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why should we remember the PVC awardees?

   We should remember them because their courage and sacrifice protect our nation. They are role models of bravery and patriotism.

   
   

2. What inspires you most about Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon’s story?

   His courage to face six enemy jets alone inspires me the most. He knew death was certain but still fought bravely for the country.

   
   

3. What does Sage Dadhichi’s sacrifice teach us?

   It teaches that selflessness and sacrifice for the greater good are the highest virtues. True strength lies in giving, not in keeping.

   
   

4. How can students show respect for soldiers?

   Students can send greetings, observe patriotic days, learn about their lives, and live with discipline and responsibility.

   
   

5. What lesson does the story of Param Vir Chakra heroes give?

   It teaches that real heroes are those who live and die for their nation. Courage, determination, and sacrifice make them immortal.

True or False (5)

1. The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest wartime gallantry award. → True

2. The medal has the national emblem on one side and Indra’s Vajra on the other. → True

3. It has been awarded more than 200 times. → False (Only 21 times.)

4. Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon survived the 1971 battle. → False (He sacrificed his life.)

5. Sage Dadhichi gave his bones to make the Vajra. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. What is the Param Vir Chakra and what does it symbolise?

   The PVC is India’s highest gallantry award, symbolising invincible courage and sacrifice, represented by Indra’s Vajra.

   
   

2. Describe the bravery of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.

   He fought six enemy Sabre jets alone in 1971. He damaged two aircraft before his own crashed, sacrificing his life for the nation.

   
   

3. What is the story of Sage Dadhichi connected to the PVC?Sage Dadhichi gave his bones to make Indra’s Vajra, a powerful weapon. The PVC design includes replicas of this Vajra to symbolise sacrifice.

   
   

4. How does the PVC represent India’s unity in diversity?

   The awardees belong to different communities, showing that bravery and patriotism unite all Indians beyond caste, creed, or religion.

   
   

5. What message does the lesson Param Vir Chakra: Our Heroes give?

   It gives the message that supreme courage and sacrifice for the nation are the noblest deeds. True heroes inspire us to live with love for our country.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Param Vir Chakra: Our Heroes is an inspiring lesson about bravery and patriotism. The reference to Sage Dadhichi connects ancient sacrifice with modern heroes. The story of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon creates deep respect for soldiers. Listing the 21 PVC awardees reminds us of India’s unity and courage. The lesson is memorable because it shows that true greatness lies in living and dying for the nation, making it a powerful tribute to India’s bravest soldiers.

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