The poem “National War Memorial” is to appreciate the spirit behind it. The chapter titled ‘Veer Abdul Hameed‘ honors the Braveheart CQMH (Company Quarter Master Havildar). Abdul Hameed who made the supreme sacrifice fighting for the country during the India-Pakistan war of 1965.
Objective
- To inculcate the values of patriotism, devotion to duty and courage and sacrifice among school children, a poem titled ‘National War Memorial’ (NWM) and chapter titled ‘Veer Abdul Hameed has been included in the NCERT curriculum of Class VI from this year.
About National War Memorial
- It was inaugurated in February 2019 by the Prime Minister of India and built over a 40-acre area close to India Gate.
- It is a national monument built to honor and remember soldiers of the Indian military who fought in armed conflicts of independent India.
- The names of armed forces personnel killed during the armed conflicts with Pakistan and China as well as the 1961 War in Goa, Operation Pawan and other operations such as Operation Rakshak are inscribed on the memorial walls in golden letters.
About Veer Abdul Hameed
- Born on July 1, 1933, Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid laid his life down while fighting Pakistan Army’s Patton tanks in the Battle of Asal Uttar one of the largest tank battles fought during the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
- The battle of Khemkaran is a legend in Military history.
- Abdul Hamid destroyed Pakistan’s US-made Patton tanks with his gun mounted on top of a jeep.
- The brave son of the country sacrificed his life as the Pakistanis fired at him from all sides.
- Hamid was awarded Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award posthumously.
Initiative Info
- This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, underscores a broader action plan to brand the National War Memorial as an iconic national monument.
- By integrating references to the memorial and its associated values into educational materials, the government seeks to cultivate a deeper sense of patriotism and encourage active participation in nation-building among the youth.
Under NEP
- According to the Defence Ministry, “the new courses have been developed by the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.”
- This initiative is jointly launched by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Education.