Key Highlights
- 93 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces received gallantry awards.
- The awards portfolio comprised 2 Kirti Chakras, 14 Shaurya Chakras, a Bar to Sena Medal, 66 Sena Medals, 2 Nao Sena Medals and 8 Vayu Sena Medals.
- Several decorations were presented posthumously, underscoring the ultimate sacrifice of the honorees.
- The ceremony took place on the eve of Republic Day 2025, officiated by President Droupadi Murmu.
Detailed Insights
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, authorized a comprehensive set of gallantry awards for 93 distinguished individuals serving in the nation’s armed forces and central armed police units. The highest civilian gallantry medals in this list were the Kirti Chakra, bestowed upon Major Manjit (Army) and Naik Dilwar Khan (posthumously, Army). Fourteen personnel earned the Shaurya Chakra, spanning ranks from Major to Flight Lieutenant and covering the Army, Air Force and Central Reserve Police Force.
In addition, a Bar to the Sena Medal (Gallantry) was granted to Lieutenant Colonel K.H. Shem of the Army. The bulk of the recognitions were Sena Medals, awarded to officers ranging from Lieutenant Colonel to Sepoy, reflecting extraordinary bravery at every hierarchical level. The Navy’s contributions were acknowledged through two Nao Sena Medals awarded to Lieutenant Commanders Sourabh Malik and Satyam Singh. The Air Force cadre received eight Vayu Sena Medals, honoring senior aviators such as Group Captain Ankit Raj Singh and Wing Commander Dushyant Singh Rathore.
Posthumous distinctions highlight that some honorees made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, a solemn reminder of the price of national security. The President’s endorsement of these awards on the eve of Republic Day serves both as a tribute to valor and a reinforcement of the nation’s commitment to honoring its defenders.
Key Concepts
- Kirti Chakra: India’s second‑highest peacetime gallantry award, presented for conspicuous bravery.
- Shaurya Chakra: The third‑most prestigious peacetime award, recognizing acts of valor, courageous action or self‑sacrifice.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry): Military decoration awarded for individual acts of exceptional courage in the field.
- Bar to Sena Medal: An additional distinction indicating a second award of the Sena Medal to the same individual.
- Posthumous Award: An honor conferred after the recipient’s death, acknowledging sacrifice made in the line of duty.