Gallantry Awards: A Tribute to India’s Bravest

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the award of 4 Kirti Chakras and 11 Shaurya Chakras to security personnel for their acts of gallantry. The Kirti Chakra is the third highest peacetime gallantry award in India, while the Shaurya Chakra is the fourth highest.

The Kirti Chakras have been awarded to:

• Major Vikas Bhambhu (Army)
• Major Mustafa Bohara (Army)
• Hav Vivek Singh Tomar (Army)
• Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta (Army)

The Shaurya Chakras have been awarded to:

• Major Amit Kumar (Army)
• Captain Arvind Singh (Army)
• Naik Ajay Kumar (Army)
• Lance Naik Ankit (Army)
• Rifleman Deepak Kumar (Army)
• Rifleman Manish Kumar (Army)
• Hav Chandan Singh (Air Force)
• Hav Pardeep Singh (Air Force)
• Constable Saifullah Qadri (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
• Constable Mohammad Yaseen (Jammu and Kashmir Police)

The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are awarded to personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy or in the course of operational duties. The awards are given in recognition of acts of bravery, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

The history of gallantry awards in India dates back to the British colonial era. The first gallantry award to be instituted in India was the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to British and Indian soldiers for acts of bravery in the Indian Mutiny of 1857. After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian government instituted its own gallantry awards, including the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra.

The Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in India, and is awarded for acts of the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery of a lesser degree than the Param Vir Chakra, but still of a very high order. The Mahavir Chakra is awarded for acts of valour or distinguished service of the most conspicuous nature. The Kirti Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy, but of a lesser degree than the Mahavir Chakra. The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, but of a lesser degree than the Kirti Chakra.

The gallantry awards are a matter of great pride for the recipients and their families. They are a recognition of the courage and sacrifice that these individuals have made in the service of their country.

In conclusion, the history of gallantry awards in India is long and proud. The awards are a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. The recipients of these awards are an inspiration to us all.