New Delhi: The life and heroic sacrifices of Abdul Hamid, an Indian Army soldier who destroyed seven Pakistani tanks during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, will now be part of the school curriculum. A chapter titled “Veer Abdul Hamid” will be included in the Class 6 social sciences textbook of NCERT, alongside a poem on the ‘National War Memorial’ in New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at honoring Hamid’s bravery and instilling values of patriotism and sacrifice in young students, reported the Awaaz.
Abdul Hamid, a soldier in the 4th Grenadiers of the Indian Army, played a pivotal role in the Battle of Asal Uttar in the Khemkaran sector. On September 10, 1965, he destroyed multiple US-made Pakistani Patton tanks using a recoilless gun mounted on a jeep. While attempting to destroy his eighth tank, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. His unparalleled courage earned him the Param Vir Chakra posthumously, India’s highest military honor.
The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education, through the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 and the National Education Policy 2020, have worked together to ensure the inclusion of Hamid’s story in the curriculum. This effort is part of a larger initiative to promote patriotism, dedication to duty, and the spirit of nation-building among school children.
Abdul Hamid’s legacy is celebrated not only in India but also internationally. His extraordinary feat of destroying the “invincible” Patton tanks left even the United States astonished. In recognition of his valor, a commemorative postage stamp was issued in 2000, depicting Hamid in his jeep during the battle.
The National War Memorial, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019, also features prominently in the new curriculum. The memorial, located at India Gate in New Delhi, was established to honor soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. The new chapter and poem aim to instill high moral values and a sense of national pride in students.
Abdul Hamid’s wife, Rasoolan Bibi, once shared that her husband returned from the 1962 Indo-China war after surviving in the wilderness for days. Hamid’s bravery and dedication to his duty remain an inspiration for the nation, and his inclusion in the NCERT books will ensure that future generations remember his heroic contribution to India’s history.
The chapter is part of broader efforts to incorporate stories of national heroes in school education, helping students understand the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and security.
