Question

Who was the first recipient of Paramvir Chakra from Kumaon Regiment ?
1. Gen. B.C. Joshi
2. Major Shaitan Singh
3. Major Somnath Sharma
4. Hav. Chandri Chand

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Major Somnath Sharma

The correct answer is Major Somnath Sharma.

• Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient of Paramvir Chakra from the 44^th Battalion Kumaon Regiment.
• Major Somnath Sharma of the Indian Army, was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

 

​

• The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest wartime gallantry award.
• The medal of the Param Vir Chakra was designed by Savitri Khanolkar. 
• The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.
• Param Vir Chakra was introduced on 26^th January 1950 and with effect from 15 August 1947.
• It has mostly been awarded posthumously.
• Param Vir Chakra translates as the "Greatest of the Ultimate Brave", and the award is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy".
• It is made of bronze.
• As of January 2018, the medal has been awarded 21 times, of which 14 were posthumous and 16 arose from actions in Indo-Pakistani conflicts.
• Of the 21 awardees, 20 have been from the Indian Army, and one has been from the Indian Air Force (Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon).
• Param Vir Chakra is the equivalent award of Victoria Cross in the United Kingdom and the Medal of Honour in the United States.