The recent recognition by the President of India, where he presented gallantry awards to 37 personnel of the armed forces, paramilitary, and police forces for bravery and valor while on duty, brings to mind the significance of such recognition. The highest honor was bestowed upon eight personnel who received the Kirti Chakra, while 29 were awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
Understanding India’s Gallantry Awards
Gallantry awards in India recognize exceptional bravery displayed in hostile situations. Instituted post-independence, the first three awards, namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, came into effect from 15th August 1947. They were officially recognized by the Indian government on 26th January 1950.
In addition to these, three other awards were instituted in 1952: the Ashoka Chakra Class-I, the Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and the Ashoka Chakra Class-III. These also took effect retrospectively from 15th August 1947. These awards were renamed in 1967 as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively.
As per the order of precedence, these awards come after the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra, the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra. Gallantry awards are announced biannually on Republic Day and Independence Day.
Kirti Chakra and its Significance
Kirti Chakra holds great significance in the list of Indian gallantry awards. It is considered the peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra, which is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Kirti Chakra recipients are recognized for their conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage, extreme devotion to duty, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
The eligibility for the Kirti Chakra is open to both civilians and military personnel, including posthumous awards. The design of the medal is a circular silver one with a lotus flower at the center and a chakra around it. It is then suspended from a green ribbon with two orange stripes.
Shaurya Chakra and its Relevance
The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for gallantry, brave action, or self-sacrifice when not in direct contact with enemy forces. It symbolizes the spirit of bravery, valor, and dedication to duty during peace times.
Similar to the Kirti Chakra, the Shaurya Chakra is also available to both civilians and military personnel, and posthumous awards are also considered. This gallantry award features the Ashoka Chakra, India’s national emblem, at the center of a bronze medal encircled by a lotus wreath. A green ribbon with three vertical lines suspends the Shaurya Chakra.
About the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards
The Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards stand as some of India’s most respected recognitions. These awards are presented annually on Republic Day. Instituted in 1954, they represent some of the highest civilian honors in India.
The awards come in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The prohibition laid down in Article 18(1) of the Constitution does not apply to these awards as they are military and academic distinctions.
It is important to note that the number of Bharat Ratna Awards is limited to a maximum of three in any given year, and nominations for the award are suggested by the Prime Minister to the President of India. The Padma Vibhushan stands as the highest in the hierarchy of the Padma Awards, followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards hold a long-standing tradition in India, with the Padma Awards only being suspended during 1978, 1979, and 1993 to 1997.
