22 Oct Gallantry Awards in India: Honouring Bravery Beyond Duty
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and Topic details “Gallantry Awards in India: Honouring Bravery Beyond Duty”
SYLLABUS MAPPING
GS–2–Polity and Governance – Role of the President, Constitutional and Non-Constitutional Bodies, and Mechanisms for Public Recognition and Awards
FOR PRELIMS
Recent gallantry award announcements, their categories, order of precedence, and distinction from Padma Awards.
FOR MAINS
Significance of gallantry awards in recognising valour, fostering national pride, and strengthening the ethos of service and sacrifice.
Why in the News?
The Central Government has issued a Gazette notification listing gallantry award citations for defence personnel who displayed extraordinary courage during various operations, including Operation Sindoor. Among the awardees are Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, and Group Captain Animesh Patni, who were honoured with the Vir Chakra for acts of exceptional bravery and leadership.
What are Gallantry Awards?
Gallantry Awards are conferred by the President of India to members of the Armed Forces, Police, and civilians for acts of exceptional bravery, valour, and distinguished service during wartime or peacetime. These awards symbolize India’s deep respect for courage and sacrifice, reflecting the values of honour, duty, and patriotism.
Background and History of Gallantry Awards
India instituted its gallantry awards on 26 January 1950, three years after Independence, to recognize the bravery of soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pak War of 1947. Initially, there were three wartime gallantry awards:
-Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
-Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
-Vir Chakra (VrC)
In 1952, to honour acts of courage during peacetime, three parallel awards were introduced:
-Ashoka Chakra (AC)
-Kirti Chakra (KC)
-Shaurya Chakra (SC)
Post-nominal letters (PVC, MVC, VrC, etc.) were approved in 1950 for wartime gallantry and in 1967 for peacetime awards. Over time, gallantry awards have evolved to include honours for personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and civilians, ensuring that acts of heroism in all forms are duly recognized.
Types of Gallantry Awards
A. Wartime Gallantry Awards
| Award | Description | First Recipient | Latest Recipient (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Param Vir Chakra (PVC) | India’s highest military honour for valour in the face of the enemy on land, sea, or air. | Maj. Somnath Sharma (Posthumous, 1947 Indo-Pak War) | Capt. Anshuman Singh (Posthumous, 2024, Operation Kargil) |
| Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) | Awarded for conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. | Lt. Gen. Rajinder Singh Sparrow (1947–48 War) | Brig. Saurabh Singh Shekhawat (2024) |
| Vir Chakra (VrC) | Conferred for acts of bravery in the battlefield. | Lt. Col. Dewan Ranjit Rai (Posthumous, 1947–48 War) | Col. Koshank Lamba, Lt. Col. Sushil Bisht, Gp. Capt. R. S. Sidhu, Gp. Capt. A. Patni (2025, Operation Sindoor) |
B. Peacetime Gallantry Awards
| Award | Description | First Recipient | Latest Recipient (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashoka Chakra (AC) | Highest peacetime gallantry award for bravery or self-sacrifice away from battlefields. | Naik Nar Bahadur Thapa (1952) | Corporal Deepak Kumar (2024) |
| Kirti Chakra (KC) | For conspicuous gallantry in non-combat situations. | Naik Jadunath Singh (1952) | Subedar Sandeep Singh (2024) |
| Shaurya Chakra (SC) | For valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice during peacetime operations. | Wing Commander Jag Mohan Nath (1952) | Major Amit Tomar (2025) |
Comparison: Gallantry Awards vs. Padma Awards
| Feature | Gallantry Awards | Padma Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To honour acts of valour and courage in war or peace. | To recognize exceptional service in various fields. |
| Instituted On | 26 Jan 1950 (Wartime), 1952 (Peacetime) | 1954 |
| Categories | Wartime (PVC, MVC, VrC) & Peacetime (AC, KC, SC) | Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri |
| Eligibility | Armed Forces, Police, Civilians showing gallantry | All citizens (and select foreigners) |
| Conferred By | President of India (Ministry of Defence recommendation) | President of India (Home Ministry Committee) |
| Frequency | Twice yearly — Republic Day & Independence Day | Announced annually on Republic Day |
| Order of Precedence | Higher than civilian awards (PVC ranks above all Padma Awards) | Lower in order of precedence |
| Medal Design | Circular medals with national symbols & crossed swords (wartime) | Lotus-shaped or circular with “Padma” inscription |
Conclusion
The Gallantry Awards of India stand as glowing testaments to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who serve the nation beyond the call of duty. From the snowy heights of Kargil to covert operations like Operation Sindoor, their stories reflect India’s unwavering spirit of bravery and resilience. As the Centre continues to recognize new heroes, these awards not only honour individual valour but also embody the eternal motto of the Indian Armed Forces — “Service Before Self.”
Prelims Question
Q. With reference to India’s Gallantry Awards, consider the following statements:
1. The Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra were both instituted on 26 January 1950.
2. The Vir Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
3. Gallantry awards can be conferred upon civilians as well as members of the Armed Forces.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Mains Question
Q. “Gallantry Awards in India not only honour acts of bravery but also reinforce the nation’s collective spirit of service and sacrifice.” Discuss. (250 words)
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