On August 15, 2024, as India marked its 78th
Independence Day, the nation reflected on its past achievements and set its
sights on the future, encapsulated by the theme 'Viksit Bharat'—a vision
to become a developed nation by 2047. In a significant gesture of
appreciation, the Government of India honoured the bravery and dedication of
its military, police, and other service members by bestowing several esteemed
gallantry awards, highlighting the country's unwavering support for its
defenders.
Significance
in the News
In honour of India's 78th Independence Day, the President of India bestowed prestigious gallantry awards on members of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. Alongside these honours, 1,037 police medals were awarded to personnel from various services, recognizing their exceptional bravery and dedication.
Notably, from Himachal Pradesh, Ranjana Sharma, an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of the Himachal Pradesh Police, was awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, making her the only police officer from the state to receive this honour.
In addition to Ranjana Sharma, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Sandeep Dhawal, Inspector Nag Dev, and Sub Inspector Hem Prakash were conferred with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). Three firemen from Himachal Pradesh—Station Fire Officers Mansa Rama and Rajender Kumar, and Sub Fire Officer Ashok Kumar—were also honoured with the MSM award. Senior Platoon Commander Jai Kumar from the Home Guards and Civil Defence received the MSM award as well. The Prime Minister, during this celebration, outlined ambitious goals for India's future, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its security forces and overall progress.
Gallantry Awards: Honouring Courage and Sacrifice
Gallantry Awards in India are a vital part of
the nation's system of recognition, celebrating the bravery, valor, and
sacrifices of military personnel and civilians. These awards honour individuals
who have displayed extraordinary courage, often at great personal risk. The
Gallantry Awards system in India is well-defined and consists of two primary
categories: awards for bravery during wartime and awards for acts of courage in
other situations.
Awards for
Bravery in Combat
These awards represent the highest levels of
recognition in India, granted for acts of exceptional bravery during times of
war.
1. Param
Vir Chakra (PVC)
o
Instituted: 1950
o
Criteria: Awarded for the highest degree of valor or self-sacrifice during
combat.
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Design: A bronze medallion featuring four replicas of Indra's Vajra, with the
State Emblem at the center.
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Importance: It is the most prestigious military award in India.
o
Famous Recipients: Major Somnath Sharma, and Captain Vikram Batra, among others.
2. Maha
Vir Chakra (MVC)
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Instituted: 1950
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Criteria: Awarded for acts of exceptional gallantry in the face of the enemy.
o
Design: A circular silver medal with a five-pointed star and the State Emblem
at the centre.
o
Famous Recipients: Brigadier Mohammad Usman, and Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa,
among others.
3. Vir
Chakra
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Instituted: 1950
o
Criteria: Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
o
Design: A circular bronze medal with a star and a domed centrepiece bearing
the State Emblem.
o
Famous Recipients: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh
Sekhon, among others.
Awards for
Bravery Beyond the Battlefield
These awards are given for acts of courage
outside the context of war, often during peacetime.
1. Ashoka
Chakra
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Instituted: 1952 (originally Ashoka Chakra Class I)
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Criteria: Awarded for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from
combat.
o
Design: A circular medal depicting the Ashoka Chakra, surrounded by a lotus
wreath.
o
Importance: The highest peacetime military decoration in India.
o
Famous Recipients: Havildar Hangpan Dada, Assistant Sub-Inspector Babu Ram, among others.
2. Kirti
Chakra
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Instituted: 1952 (originally Ashoka Chakra Class II)
o
Criteria: Awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in non-combat situations.
o
Design: Similar to the Ashoka Chakra, featuring a replica of the Ashoka Chakra
in the center, encircled by a lotus wreath.
o
Famous Recipients: Major Sudhir Kumar Walia, Captain Ummed Singh Mahra, among others.
3. Shaurya
Chakra
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Instituted: 1952 (originally Ashoka Chakra Class III)
o
Criteria: Awarded for acts of gallantry outside the battlefield, including
posthumously.
o
Design: A bronze medallion with a replica of the Ashoka Chakra, surrounded by
a lotus wreath.
o
Famous Recipients: Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Wing Commander Anjan Kumar, among others.
The Journey
of Gallantry Awards in India
India’s Gallantry Awards were instituted
post-independence to replace the British colonial system of honours. These
awards were officially introduced by the Government of India on January 26,
1950. Initially exclusive to military personnel, the eligibility for these
awards has expanded over time to include civilians and members of other forces,
such as the police.
The Process
Behind Gallantry Awards
The awarding of gallantry medals in India is a
meticulous process:
- Announcement:
These awards are typically announced biannually, on Republic Day (January
26) and Independence Day (August 15).
- Selection: A rigorous selection process includes
recommendations from commanding officers, evaluation by the Ministry of
Defence, and final approval by the President of India.
- Presentation: The
awards are presented by the President of India in formal ceremonies held
at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Additional
Recognitions of Bravery
Besides the primary gallantry awards, India
also acknowledges acts of bravery through several other awards:
- Sena Medal (Army), Nao Sena Medal (Navy), and Vayu Sena Medal (Air
Force): These medals are awarded for acts of
exceptional bravery or devotion to duty within the respective military
branches.
- President's Police Medal for Gallantry: This medal is awarded to police officers for outstanding acts of
bravery.
Various
Police Medals Awarded
- President’s Medal for Gallantry (PMG): The highest police honour for bravery, given for acts of
conspicuous gallantry in saving lives, preventing crime, or apprehending
criminals.
- Example: Shri Chaduvu Yadaiah,
Head Constable of Telangana Police, was awarded the PMG for his
extraordinary bravery during a violent confrontation with criminals.
- Medal for Gallantry (GM):
Awarded for gallant acts, including recognition of firefighters and civil
defence personnel.
- President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM): Awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in police work.
- Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM): Given for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and
dedication.
- Jeevan Raksha Padak: A
civilian award recognizing life-saving acts.
Financial
and Social Support for Awardees
Recipients of gallantry awards in India are
entitled to various financial and social benefits, including:
- Pension: Awardees are granted a lifelong
pension, supplemented by additional financial rewards.
- Benefits: They enjoy privileges such as
reservation in government jobs, free education for their children, and
travel concessions.
Conclusion
India’s gallantry awards not only celebrate
acts of extraordinary courage but also serve as a powerful reminder of the
nation’s appreciation for those who defend its freedom and security. As India
progresses toward its goal of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, the inspiring
stories of these courageous individuals will continue to motivate the nation,
embodying the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism that define the
spirit of India.
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