On July 5, President Droupadi Murmu bestowed ten Kirti Chakras on army and paramilitary personnel whose lives had demonstrated indomitable courage and extraordinary valor in the line of duty.
Kirti Chakra is India’s second highest peace-time gallantry award.
In a statement, defence ministry said that also during the defense investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces presented twenty six Shaurya Chakras including seven posthumous to personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces and state/Union Territory police.
In this statement it has been written that Sepoy Pawan Kumar of The Grenadiers, 55th Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles; Captain Anshuman Singh Army Medical Corps, 26th Battalion Punjab Regiment; Havildar Abdul Majid Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) Indian Army 9th Battalion have been awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously according to the list of awardees shared in this para.
There were also others awarded with Kirti Chakra posthumously: Inspector Dilip Kumar Das, Head Constable Raj Kumar Yadava. And Constable Bablu Rabha and Sambhu Roy from CRPF’s 210 CoBRA Battalion.
The Ministry said three personnel two majors a naib subedar have been awarded with Kirti Chakra
Later on its official X handle, pictures from this ceremony were also shared by The Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This was stated by “President Droupadi Murmu conferred Kirti chakra upon Captain Anshuman Singh Army Medical Corps 26th battalion The Punjab Regiment Posthumously. He displayed exceptional bravery & determination to save many people’s lives when there was a major fire.”
She received it from President Droupadi Murmu whereas Major Rawat got it from President Droupadi Murmu. “ When I first saw him on the entrance of my college that was the day we became friends for life,” she recalled after receiving the award.
“Unfortunately, within two months of marriage, he was posted in Siachen. On July 18 (2023), we had a long conversation about the next 50 years of our life. On July 19, I got a call that he’s no more…,” Ms. Smriti added.
Another post on it reads: ‘President Droupadi Murmu confers Kirti Chakra on Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, 21st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).’ In Manipur; he set up an intelligence network enabling him to accurately map all Valley-based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs). In one such operation, he apprehended three insurgents by physically overpowering them,’ said Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Ministry has given these gallantry awards for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty.
“My heartfelt gratitude to Rashtrapati Ji for presenting me the Gallantry Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony-2024 (Phase-1) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today! Our brave soldiers are among the most dedicated and courageous individuals in India.” PM Narendra Modi X and photos also.
Six other personnel from the Army were also given a Shaurya Chakra posthumously along with a constable of J&K Police.
The list also included a number of officers from the army, navy, air force and ministry of home affairs personnel who have been given Shaurya Chakra.
India has three high peace time gallantry awards and these include Ashok Chakra. And Kirti Chakra which is lower than the Shaurya Chakra.
