Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to release books on Param Veer Chakra awardees

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will release a set of five books, illustrating the saga of ' Param Veer Chakra' awardees, for children tomorrow.

With the release National Book Trust is launching a new series for children, 'Veergatha', as part of the Republic Day celebrations.

'Veergatha' series seeks to introduce the great acts of bravery of the 'Param Veer Chakra' awardees to instill a sense of inspiration and patriotism in children, a statement released by the HRD ministry said.

The five books being released illustrate saga of bravery of Major Somnath Sharma (1947 war), Major Shaitan Singh (1962 war), CQMH Abdul Hamid (1965 war), Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (1971 war) and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (1999 Kargil war).

The books have been developed with the support of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

HRD minister Smriti Irani and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will also be present during the release.

The Param Veer Chakra is the highest gallantry award for officers and other enlisted personnel of all military branches of India for the highest degree of valour in the presence of the enemy.