President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2024 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she conferred gallantry awards upon brave personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State/UT Police.
Key Highlights:
- 10 Kirti Chakras (7 posthumous) and 26 Shaurya Chakras (7 posthumous) were awarded.
- The awards recognized exceptional acts of bravery, often at the cost of life.
- The gallantry award ceremony serves as a national tribute to the selfless courage and patriotism of India’s security personnel.
- These awards are announced twice yearly, on Republic Day and Independence Day.
- Such events inspire patriotism and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to its armed forces.
What Is a Gallantry Award?
A gallantry award is a formal recognition granted to individuals who display extraordinary bravery in combat or civilian contexts. These awards reflect valor, sacrifice, and devotion to duty, often in life-threatening situations.
Categories of Gallantry Awards in India
Wartime Gallantry Awards (In the Face of the Enemy):
- Param Vir Chakra (PVC): Highest military award for most conspicuous bravery or sacrifice.
- Maha Vir Chakra (MVC): Awarded for acts of gallantry in enemy presence.
- Vir Chakra: For bravery on the battlefield.
Peacetime Gallantry Awards (Other than in the Face of the Enemy):
- Ashoka Chakra: Peacetime equivalent of PVC; India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
- Kirti Chakra: Awarded for conspicuous gallantry in peacetime.
- Shaurya Chakra: For gallant actions by civilians and defense personnel, often posthumously.
Order of Precedence of Gallantry Awards
- Param Vir Chakra
- Ashoka Chakra
- Maha Vir Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Vir Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
History of Gallantry Awards in India
- Wartime awards (PVC, MVC, VC) were instituted on January 26, 1950, with retrospective effect from August 15, 1947.
- Peacetime awards (Ashoka, Kirti, Shaurya Chakras) originated in 1952 as Class I, II, III and were renamed in 1967.
Selection Process for Gallantry Awards
- Recommendations are invited twice a year by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Military recommendations are made by commanders based on operational reports.
- Civilian recommendations are routed through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- No private or VIP nominations are accepted.
- Proposals must be submitted within 2 years of the act.
- Final selections are made by the Central Honours & Awards Committee (CH&AC), headed by the Defence Minister.
Design & Description of Gallantry Awards
Param Vir Chakra
- Medal: Bronze, circular, with Indra’s Vajra
- Ribbon: Plain purple
- Bar system for repeat acts
Maha Vir Chakra
- Medal: Silver, five-pointed star
- Ribbon: Half-white, half-orange
Vir Chakra
- Medal: Silver with heraldic star
- Ribbon: Blue and orange
Ashoka Chakra
- Medal: Gold with Ashoka Chakra
- Ribbon: Green with orange stripe
Kirti Chakra
- Medal: Silver with Ashoka Chakra
- Ribbon: Green with two orange stripes
Shaurya Chakra
- Medal: Bronze with Ashoka Chakra
- Ribbon: Green with three orange stripes
Eligibility Criteria
Wartime Gallantry Awards
Applicable to:
- Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Reserve and Territorial Forces
- Nursing and civilian staff serving under military command
Peacetime Gallantry Awards
Applicable to:
- Armed and paramilitary forces
- Civilians and police personnel
- Members of Railway Protection Force
Full List of Gallantry Award Recipients – 2024
Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) – Notable Honourees:
- Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, CRPF
- Captain Anshuman Singh, Army Medical Corps
- Sepoy Pawan Kumar, The Grenadiers
- Havildar Abdul Majid, Parachute Regiment
Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous):
- Major Vikas Bhambhu & Major Mustafa Bohara (Joint Op)
- Rifleman Kulbushan Manta, JAK Rifles
- Captain M.V. Pranjal, Corps of Signals
Kirti Chakra (Living Recipients):
- Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, Parachute Regiment
- Major Deependra Vikram Basnet, Sikh Regiment
Shaurya Chakra (Living Recipients) – Few Highlights:
- Wing Commander Shailesh Singh, Air Force
- Major Rajendra Prasad Jat, Dogra Regiment
- Sub Inspector Amit Raina, J&K Police
- Constable Mukesh Kumar, CRPF
- Captain Akshat Upadhyay, Jat Regiment
- Shri Parshotam Kumar (Civilian)
Conclusion: Gallantry Award as a Symbol of National Valor
The Gallantry Award 2024 ceremony not only honours individual courage but also reinforces India’s national values of service, sacrifice, and integrity. As the nation salutes these heroes, their stories continue to inspire generations to uphold the spirit of India’s defense and unity.
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