President Murmu Confers 39 Gallantry Awards for Bravery and Valour

On May 22, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, honoured brave personnel with gallantry awards during a Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A total of 39 awards, including 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras, were conferred on individuals from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Jammu and Kashmir Police for exceptional acts of courage in anti-terror and counter-insurgency operations across various theatres.

Why in News?

This event is in the news as it marks the conferral of India’s prestigious peacetime gallantry awards, recognising personnel who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment in the face of danger. The recognition is especially significant amidst continued anti-terror operations in sensitive regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East.

Key Points

• Total Awards Conferred: 6 Kirti Chakras (4 posthumous), 33 Shaurya Chakras (7 posthumous)
• Awardees: Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, CRPF, Assam Rifles, J&K Police, BRO

Award Categories

• Kirti Chakra: 2 living, 4 posthumous
• Shaurya Chakra: 26 living, 7 posthumous

Kirti Chakra

• Second-highest peacetime gallantry award
• Awarded for conspicuous gallantry away from the battlefield

Recipients (Examples)

• Living: Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, Major Manjit (Indian Army)
• Posthumous: Colonel Manpreet Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, Rifleman Ravi Kumar

Shaurya Chakra

• Third-highest peacetime gallantry award
• Conferred for acts of valor during internal security and counter-terror operations

Recipients (Examples)

• Living: Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar (IAF), Wing Commander Vernon D. Keane, Major Vijay Verma, Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo (CRPF)
• Posthumous: Major Aashish Dhonchak, Sepoy Pardeep Singh, Constable Devan C

 Operational Background

• Jammu & Kashmir & North-East: Anti-terror operations, neutralisation of militants, arms recovery
• Navy: Anti-piracy missions, rescue operations
• Air Force: Emergency landings, asset protection
• CAPFs: Maoist area operations, hostage rescues

Static Facts

• Kirti Chakra: Second only to Ashoka Chakra in peacetime awards
• Shaurya Chakra: Often awarded for counter-insurgency missions and non-combat operations of valour
• Defence Investiture Ceremony: Biannual event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Significance

• Upholds national values of bravery, integrity, and service
• A morale booster for armed forces and internal security personnel
• Public recognition encourages future acts of courage and commitment