President Droupadi Murmu Honors 78 Gallantry Awardees Ahead of Independence Day

Gallantry Awards Approved by President Murmu

On the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu has granted approval for 78 gallantry awards, which includes 13 awarded posthumously, recognizing the bravery of personnel from the defense forces and central armed police.

The list of awards features nine Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, five Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), along with three Nao Sena Medals and five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

The Kirti Chakra, which is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India, follows the Ashoka Chakra, while the Shaurya Chakra ranks as the third-highest.

Among the Kirti Chakra recipients are Lt Col Manoj Francis from 21 Para (Special Forces) and Major Jitendra Rathee from 2 Para (Special Forces), with seven others receiving the honor posthumously.

Posthumous awards were given to armed forces members including havildar Gajendra Singh of 2 Para (Special Forces), head constable Jagbir Singh, constable Jaswant Singh, and several others.

The Shaurya Chakra awards were presented to Major Paramveer from 36 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Tarun Vasudevan from 57 Rashtriya Rifles, and several other distinguished personnel.

Additional awardees include Havildar Jagattar Singh from 4 Para (Special Forces) and Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar from the Indian Navy, among others.

Major Aditya Pratap Singh of 44 Assam Rifles received the Bar to Shaurya Chakra.

In addition, the President, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, has sanctioned 89 Mention-in-Despatches, comprising 75 from the Indian Army, four from the Indian Navy, and ten from the Indian Air Force.

This announcement precedes India's 80th Independence Day celebrations, which will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort.

This year's event will honor 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and highlight the contributions of 'Yuva Shakti' towards India's vision of a developed nation by 2047, as stated by the defense ministry.

For the first time, 'Vande Mataram' will be performed during the Red Fort celebrations.

Around 5,000 special guests from various sectors have been invited to attend the festivities at the Red Fort this year.