New Delhi, July 15 (IBNS) A commemorative function to celebrate the birth centenary of Late Brig Mohammed Usman, MVC, who died in 1947 fighting for India against Pakistan, was organized at Manekshaw Centre here on Sunday.
The function was attended by Vice President M Hamid Ansari, Defence Minister A K Antony, junior defence minister M M Pallam Raju, Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh, other dignitaries, serving and retired Paratroopers.
Brig Mohammad Usman was the highest rank officer of Indian Army killed in the Indo-Pak War of 1947, who as a Muslim became a 'Symbol of India's Inclusive Secularism'.
At the time of partition, he with many other officers declined to move to the Pakistan Army and continued to serve the Indian Army, despite the bait of becoming the Pakistan Army Chief and intense pressure from the Pakistani leadership to join the Army of the new nation.
He was awarded a posthumous Maha Vir Chakra for his role in the 1947-48 operations.
Hamid Ansari honoured the kin of Late Brig Mohd Usman, MVC present for the function and made a commemorative address to the august gathering.
The event culminated with a vote of thanks by Brig Sanjay Singh, Commander 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade followed by screening of film ‘Naushera Ka Sher’.
