New Delhi: Rashtrapati Bhavan became a stage today for honouring India’s bravest heroes, as 39 personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police received Gallantry Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-I).
President Droupadi Murmu presented six Kirti Chakras, four posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, seven posthumously, in the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking a moment of national pride. These awards recognised acts of raw courage in counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, and rescue operations.
Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry earned the Kirti Chakra for his October 26, 2023, operation in Jammu and Kashmir, where he led his team through a hail of gunfire to neutralise a terrorist, securing a volatile area. Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, also awarded the Kirti Chakra, displayed similar resolve on April 25, 2024, outmanoeuvring insurgents in a high-risk mission, ensuring his unit’s safety. The posthumous Kirti Chakras went to Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Deputy Superintendent Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, who made the ultimate sacrifice. Kumar, Singh, and Bhat fell on September 12-13, 2023, in Jammu and Kashmir, engaging terrorists to protect civilians. Khan, on July 23, 2024, held a critical position against insurgents, enabling his team’s success at the cost of his life.
Shaurya Chakra recipients included Major Vijay Verma of the Rajput Regiment, who, on October 5, 2022, led a daring operation in Jammu and Kashmir, neutralising a terrorist hideout. Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo of the CRPF, honoured for their April 2, 2023, actions, apprehended Maoist insurgents in a Left-Wing Extremism-affected area, recovering weapons under heavy fire. Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane of the Indian Air Force, awarded for his July 24, 2023, mission, skillfully manoeuvred a malfunctioning aircraft away from civilian areas, preventing loss of life. Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, recognised for an August 25, 2023, rescue, saved lives in a high-stakes aerial operation.
Special Police Officer Abdul Latif of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, on September 4, 2023, risked his life to secure a terrorist stronghold. Colonel Pawan Singh, on October 10, 2023, led an Army Aviation mission under hostile conditions. Naib Subedar P Pabin Singha, now Subedar, neutralised threats on October 26, 2023, in Jammu and Kashmir. Major Sahil Randhawa, on November 16, 2023, conducted multiple operations to dismantle terrorist networks. Major Tripatpreet Singh, on January 4, 2024, secured a critical area under fire. Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav of the Indian Navy, on January 27, 2024, led an anti-piracy operation, rescuing hostages and forcing pirates to surrender. Deputy Commandant Lakhveer, Assistant Commandant Rajesh Panchal, and Constable Malkit Singh of the CRPF, on January 30, 2024, thwarted a Maoist ambush. Subedar Mohan Ram, on February 13, 2024, held ground in a fierce encounter. Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal, on March 13, 2024, led firefighting efforts on a burning oil tanker, saving crew and cargo. Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans, on March 28, 2024, executed a high-risk aerial rescue. Sergeant Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabhai, on May 4, 2024, ensured mission safety in a crisis. Major Kunal, on May 6, 2024, disrupted a terrorist cell. Major Ashish Dahiya, on June 2, 2024, led a successful counter-insurgency operation. Havildar Prakash Tamang, on June 19, 2024, secured a strategic position. Major Satender Dhankar, on June 26, 2024, neutralised threats in Jammu and Kashmir. Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon, on August 5, 2024, led an Assam Rifles operation. Subedar Vikas Tomar, on September 11, 2024, executed a high-stakes mission with 1 Para (Special Forces). Posthumous Shaurya Chakras were awarded to Major Aashish Dhonchak, Sepoy Pardeep Singh, Havildar Rohit Kumar, Constables Pawan Kumar and Devan C, Vijay Kutty G of BRO, and Captain Deepak Singh for their sacrifices in operations from September 2023 to August 2024, each facing overwhelming odds to protect others.
These stories of valour, from counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir to anti-piracy missions at sea, reflect the unyielding spirit of India’s security forces. The ceremony, aligned with Republic Day and Independence Day announcements, serves as a testament to their role in safeguarding the nation, with families of the fallen receiving posthumous honours in a poignant reminder of their sacrifice.
– global bihari bureau
