The recent Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1) saw the President confer 13 Shaurya Chakras, including six posthumous, to personnel of the Armed Forces. In addition, Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals were also bestowed for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Understanding India’s Gallantry Awards
Post-independence, the Indian government instituted the first three gallantry awards: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, on 26th January 1950, deemed effective from 15th August 1947. Subsequently, in 1952, three more were added – Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and Ashoka Chakra Class-III. These too were deemed effective from 15th August 1947. However, in January 1967, these were renamed to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively. The order of precedence among the awards is as follows: Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
Eligibility for the Gallantry Awards
The awards are open to officers of all ranks across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including reserve forces, territorial army, and any other lawfully constituted armed forces. Other eligible personnel include matrons, sisters, nurses, and staff from nursing services and hospital related services. Civilians, both male and female, serving under the orders, direction or supervision of any of the aforementioned forces, either on a regular or temporary basis, can also be nominated for these awards.
Wartime Gallantry Awards
The Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra are the highest military distinctions conferred during wartime for distinguished acts of valor – be it on land, at sea, or in the air. The Param Vir Chakra is the most prestigious, followed by the Maha Vir Chakra. The Vir Chakra holds the third-highest place among the wartime gallantry awards.
Peacetime Gallantry Awards
During peacetime, the highest military awards for valor, courageous action or sacrifice are the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. The Ashoka Chakra takes top precedence for its recognition of conspicuous bravery or daring attempts of valor or self-sacrifice. The Kirti Chakra is second-in-line and is followed by the Shaurya Chakra, which is given to the personnel of armed forces for exceptional acts of bravery.
In summary, India’s gallantry awards not only honor brave personnel of the armed forces but also give due recognition to civilians serving in difficult circumstances under military orders. These awards uphold the values of courage, valor and self-sacrifice, providing an inspiring portrayal of human endurance and bravery.
