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A heroes’ hero

Brigadier Usman, hero of the Indian Army’s Kashmir operation in 1948

Naushera ka Sher is Upendra Sood’s tribute to Brigadier Mohammad Usman, who laid down his life for his country fighting Pakistan after Partition. Sood, a graduate of the National School of Drama, has made several documentaries on defence. Naushera ka Sher is based on the life of Brigadier Usman and was recently screened at the Constitution Club on his martyrdom day.

The screening was attended by the Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Oscar Fernandes among others. According to Sood, his effort was to bring to the limelight the supreme sacrifice of the martyrs. “I decided to make Naushera ka Sher to remember our martyr Brigadier Usman,” he said.

Sood recollected the tale of Brigadier Usman. When he was fighting for Naushera and Jhangar, Liyaqat Ali, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, called and offered him a position in the Pakistan army. It is said that Ali offered to make him the army chief. . But Brigadier Usman refused the offer and sacrificed his life for his country.

Brigadier Usman, as a Muslim, became the symbol of India’s “inclusive secularism”. This Brigadier Commander of the 50 Para laid down his life while fighting the Pakistan army and the Qabayli (tribal men) in July 1948. He succeeded in capturing Naushera and Jhangar, two highly sensitive parts in Jammu and Kashmir. By sacrificing his life, he sent out the message that his country is not bound by religion. On his valuable contribution in safeguarding India’s borders, the government decorated him with the Mahavir Chakra posthumously.

Sibal said Brigadier Usman’s sacrifice for the motherland should be highlighted in the pages of history. Speaking at the press conference, the minister said that there are millions of heroes who march to the battlefield to protect their motherland.

He called Brigadier Usman “a true symbol of nationalism, patriotism and sacrifice,” who gave his life for the country. He added if Brigadier Usman had not been killed in battle, he would have been head of the Indian army.

The minister also said the stories of these heroes should be incorporated in the curriculum of the schools.

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