New Delhi – In a ceremony steeped in dignity and emotion, President Droupadi Murmu honoured 39 valiant personnel with the Gallantry Awards 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This marked Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025. The event was a heartfelt recognition of exemplary bravery and supreme sacrifice by members of the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and state police services.
Celebrating Courage at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Gallantry Awards 2025 ceremony witnessed the conferment of six Kirti Chakras, four of which were awarded posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumous honours. These awards highlighted the profound courage shown by individuals who often operated under life-threatening conditions to safeguard national interests.
President Murmu lauded the heroes, acknowledging their role in upholding national security and honour. The Gallantry Awards 2025 underlined the exceptional standards of duty and courage embedded in India’s security forces.
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Kirti Chakra: Symbol of Supreme Gallantry
The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was presented to six individuals. Among the living recipients were:
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Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, for leading critical operations in Jammu & Kashmir with unmatched valour.
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Major Manjit, who executed a high-risk counter-terror mission, displaying tactical brilliance and exceptional bravery.
Four Kirti Chakras were awarded posthumously in the Gallantry Awards 2025:
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Rifleman Ravi Kumar, who lost his life while shielding his team during an intense firefight.
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Colonel Manpreet Singh, remembered for his strategic leadership in a high-threat zone.
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Naik Dilwar Khan, who neutralised heavily armed insurgents before succumbing to his injuries.
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Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, honoured for his pivotal role in neutralising terrorists during a high-risk operation.
Each of these individuals embodied the spirit of the Gallantry Awards 2025, with their actions resonating as lasting legacies of dedication and heroism.
Shaurya Chakra: Recognising Fearless Action
The 33 recipients of the Shaurya Chakra at the Gallantry Awards 2025 came from across the tri-services and central police organisations. The recipients included officers who risked their lives during counter-insurgency operations, rescue missions, and high-stakes security engagements.
Indian Army Heroes
Several Indian Army officers were honoured for displaying outstanding courage:
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Lt Col Vijay Verma, who led a successful operation in a volatile region despite being heavily outnumbered.
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Col Pawan Singh, who spearheaded a daring mission to dismantle a terrorist hideout.
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Maj Sahil Randhawa, who ensured civilian safety during an armed standoff in a densely populated locality.
Their contribution reaffirms the Army’s role in safeguarding national integrity and forms a core part of the Gallantry Awards 2025 narrative.
Valor in the Skies: Indian Air Force
The Gallantry Awards 2025 also recognised exceptional bravery in air operations:
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Wing Commander Vernon Keane, whose presence of mind during a mid-air emergency saved numerous lives.
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Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans, for executing a perilous reconnaissance mission under hostile conditions.
Their courage demonstrates how aerial superiority and quick decision-making can alter mission outcomes even in life-threatening scenarios.
Indian Navy’s Maritime Bravery
The Indian Navy’s role in maritime security was acknowledged at the Gallantry Awards 2025:
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Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal, lauded for commanding critical anti-piracy and maritime rescue operations that ensured the safety of merchant vessels in international waters.
His leadership underscored the Navy’s readiness to address global maritime threats while upholding international cooperation at sea.
Honouring Central Armed Police Forces
The CAPF units, particularly the CRPF and Assam Rifles, had their courage spotlighted in the Gallantry Awards 2025. Personnel from these forces were instrumental in tackling insurgent violence in Left Wing Extremism-affected regions.
Their operations led to the successful elimination of several Maoist operatives and the recovery of large caches of arms, reaffirming their role in internal security.
Immortalising Posthumous Bravery
Among the seven posthumous recipients of the Shaurya Chakra in the Gallantry Awards 2025 were:
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Major Aashish Dhonchak, who sacrificed his life while leading a counter-insurgency raid in Kashmir.
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Sepoy Pardeep Singh, known for defending his comrades during an ambush in hostile terrain.
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Captain Deepak Singh, a Signals Regiment officer who gave his life while protecting critical communication networks under attack.
Additional posthumous awards were given to CRPF and Border Roads Organisation personnel for acts of valour that saved lives while facing overwhelming threats. These sacrifices are the very essence of the Gallantry Awards 2025.
A Nationwide Spectrum of Bravery
The breadth of the Gallantry Awards 2025 reflects heroism across land, air, and sea:
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High-altitude clashes in the Himalayas,
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Urban warfare in insurgency hotspots,
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Sea-based operations against piracy and environmental hazards.
Many awardees engaged directly with terrorists or insurgents, often in close-quarter battle scenarios. Others were responsible for critical rescue operations—saving stranded civilians during floods, firefights on naval vessels, and emergency aircraft landings.
The Message Behind the Medals
The Gallantry Awards 2025 serve not just to honour individuals, but to inspire the nation. Each act of bravery is a testament to the spirit of service and sacrifice that binds India’s defence and police personnel together. The awards foster a sense of national pride and unity, reminding citizens of the relentless effort behind their everyday safety.
President Murmu’s heartfelt remarks during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 brought attention to the collective resilience of India’s security forces. Through the Gallantry Awards 2025, she celebrated the diverse yet unified commitment shown by individuals from every corner of the country.
Final Word: A Nation Grateful
As the ceremony concluded, the applause at Rashtrapati Bhavan echoed the nation’s collective respect and gratitude. The Gallantry Awards 2025 have once again brought into focus the silent, often unseen sacrifices made by India’s bravest.
Their legacy now stands enshrined not just in medals and commendations, but in the ongoing spirit of service that defines the Indian defence community.
