Vikal Sharma
Palampur: A significant step toward honouring the legacy of India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee was taken on Monday (June 16, 2025) as the foundation stone for the Major Somnath Sharma Memorial Forest Garden (Van Vatika) was formally laid in his ancestral Darh village under the Palampur Forest Division in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
The ceremony was led by Gen VN Sharma (retd), former Chief of Army Staff, in the presence of key dignitaries, including former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar, Member of Parliament Rajeev Bhardwaj, MLA Ashish Butail and former MLA Praveen Sharma.
Tribute to a national hero
Speaking at the event, General Sharma remembered Major Somnath Sharma’s supreme sacrifice during the 1947 India-Pakistan conflict, calling it a timeless example of courage and dedication. He said the memorial forest garden would not only commemorate the martyr but also encourage youth to serve the nation and support environmental conservation.
Former CM Shanta Kumar paid homage to the martyr, hailing him as a symbol of valor and patriotism. He pledged Rs 1 lakh towards the garden’s development and mentioned that Rs 50 lakh had already been sanctioned from the MP fund by the late Kishan Kapoor for the project.
MP Rajeev Bhardwaj reaffirmed support for the memorial’s development, promising additional financial assistance if required. He also announced plans to transform the Himani Chamunda Mata temple, located at the site, into a major pilgrimage destination modeled on the lines of the Vaishno Devi temple.
Emphasising the site’s cultural and religious significance, he directed the forest department to protect the existing temple and children’s playground.
MLA Ashish Butail echoed these sentiments, urging that no disruption be caused to local community facilities. He expressed his admiration for the bravery of Major Sharma and other martyrs from the Palampur region.
Project phases and budget
Chief Conservator of Forests Vasu Kaushal outlined the blueprint for the Van Vatika, stating that the garden will be constructed in four phases with an estimated total budget of Rs 2 crore. The first phase, he said, would be carried out with the already sanctioned Rs 50 lakh.
The foundation-laying ceremony drew attendance from forest officials, ex-servicemen, local dignitaries and members of the Insaf organisation, all gathered to pay their respects and support the initiative.
Remembering a legend
Major Somnath Sharma, remembered for his heroic defence of the Srinagar airfield in 1947 against Pakistani infiltrators, was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honour.
