President endorses 76 awards, 4 posthumous Kirti Chakras, and 11 Shaurya Chakras, honoring exceptional valor and sacrifice.

New Delhi, 15 Aur, (VNI) President Droupadi Murmu has endorsed a total of 76 distinguished awards for acts of gallantry, which encompass four Kirti Chakras, granted posthumously, along with eleven Shaurya Chakras. These awards symbolize exceptional valor and sacrifice, acknowledging the unparalleled courage displayed by individuals within the ranks of our security forces. These commendations are being granted on the cusp of the 77th commemoration of our nation's Independence Day. Amongst the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra, five have been named posthumously, signifying their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The esteemed Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra awards hold a distinctive position as India's second and third-highest peacetime gallantry honors, ranking just after the revered Ashok Chakra. In a recent pronouncement by the Ministry of Defence, it was stated, "President Droupadi Murmu has concurred with 76 accolades for the valiant personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, as part of the 2023 Independence Day observance. This assortment encompasses four posthumous Kirti Chakras, eleven Shaurya Chakras, inclusive of five awarded posthumously, two Bar to Sena Medals (gallantry), 52 Sena Medals (gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (gallantry), and four Vayu Sena Medals (gallantry)." The recipients of the Kirti Chakra who have been posthumously honored are Dilip Kumar Das, Raj Kumar Yadava, Bablu Rabha, and Sambha Roy, all distinguished members of the Central Reserve Police Force, as detailed in the statement. Furthermore, the gallant recipients of the Shaurya Chakra include five individuals who have been acknowledged posthumously, amongst them being Major Vikas Bhambhu and Major Mustafa Bohara from the Army Aviation Squadron, Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar of the Rajputana Rifles, and Rifleman Kulbhushan Manta of the Rashtriya Rifles. In an exemplary display of courage and professionalism, Major Bhambhu and Major Bohara were lauded for their actions during a mission in Arunachal Pradesh, facing catastrophic challenges. "On October 21, 2022, Major Bhambhu, as a pilot and Major Bohara, as a co-pilot were on an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance mission in a RUDRA helicopter along the border in Arunachal Pradesh," as cited by the ministry. Their outstanding composure and relentless efforts under extreme duress led to their nomination for this prestigious award. Similarly, Havildar Vivek Singh Tomar was selected for his extraordinary bravery and selfless commitment to the safety of his comrades, with his citations aptly describing his distinctive courage. Additionally, Sqn Ldr G L Vineeth, a skilled pilot associated with the Indian Air Force, has been accorded the esteemed Vayu Sena Medal in recognition of his contributions. This distinguished list of honors also includes 30 Mention-in-Despatches to Army personnel, with a special acknowledgment posthumously to Army dog Madhu, and one mention to an Air Force individual for their significant contributions across various military operations. These operations encompass a wide array of efforts, such as Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Casualty Evacuation, Operation Mount Chomo, Operation Pangsau Pass, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Orchid, Operation Kalisham Valley, Rescue Operation, and Operation Evacuation. The valor and dedication displayed by these individuals are a testament to their unwavering commitment to the nation's security and well-being.