President Droupadi Murmu Confers 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu recently conferred 36 Peacetime Gallantry Awards in a solemn ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. These prestigious awards included 10 Kirti Chakras, of which 7 were awarded posthumously, and 26 Shaurya Chakras, with 7 also being awarded posthumously. The recipients hailed from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State or Union Territory Police, recognized for their extraordinary bravery, indomitable courage, and unwavering devotion to duty.
Kirti Chakra Recipients
Posthumous Awards
- Dilip Kumar, COBRA, CRPF
- Raj Kumar Yadava, COBRA, CRPF
- Bablu Rabha, COBRA, CRPF
- Sambhu Roy, COBRA, CRPF
- Sepoy Pawan Kumar, The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
- Captain Anshuman Singh, The Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion The Punjab Regiment
- Havildar Abdul Majid, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
Non-Posthumous Awards
- Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, 21st Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
- Major Deependra Vikram Basnet, 4th Battalion of The Sikh Regiment
- Naib Subedar Pawan Kumar Yadav, 21st Battalion of The Mahar Regiment
About Kirti Chakra
The Kirti Chakra is India's second highest peacetime gallantry award, following the Ashoka Chakra. It is conferred by the President of India, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to both civilians and military personnel (including posthumously) for acts of valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. Originally established in 1952 as the "Ashoka Chakra, Category II," it was renamed and amended in 1967. The medal is made of standard silver, circular in shape, with a green ribbon divided into three equal parts by two vertical orange lines.
Shaurya Chakra Recipients
Posthumous Awards
- Constable Safiullah Qadri, J&K Police
- Major Vikas Bhambhu, Sena Medal, 252 Army Aviation Squadron
- Major Mustafa Bohara, 252 Army Aviation Squadron
- Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta, J&K Rifles, 52nd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
- Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar, 5th Battalion The Rajputana Rifles
- Rifleman Alok Rao, 18 Assam Rifles
- Captain MV Pranjal, Corps of Signals, 63rd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
About Shaurya Chakra
The Shaurya Chakra is the third highest Peacetime Gallantry Award in India, after the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra. It is awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from battle, and can be awarded to both civilians and military personnel, including posthumous awards. Initially called "Ashok Chakra, Class III" since 4th January 1952, it was renamed on 27th January 1967. The medal is made of bronze, circular in shape, with a green ribbon divided into four parts by three vertical lines.
Additional Information
Peacetime gallantry awards were established on 4 January 1952, but effective from 15th August 1947:
- Ashoka Chakra: Most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
- Kirti Chakra: Second in order of a military decoration award.
- Shaurya Chakra: Third in order of Indian military decoration award.
Wartime gallantry awards were established on 26 January 1950, but effective from 15th August 1947:
- Param Vir Chakra: Highest military award in India. The name of this award means "Wheel of the ultimate brave." Awarded for national bravery in the presence of the enemy.
- Maha Vir Chakra: The second-highest military decoration in India.
- Vir Chakra: Third in precedence in the awards for wartime gallantry.
The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan was a poignant reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform. Their valor and dedication continue to inspire the nation, underscoring the values of courage and selflessness that these awards represent.
