PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS GALLANTRY AWARDS AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
In a deeply moving and proud moment for the nation, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the prestigious Gallantry Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 22, 2025. The event was graced by the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Union Minister for Defence, underscoring the significance of the occasion in the country’s calendar of national honours.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a solemn and inspiring event that brought together the nation’s highest dignitaries and brave servicemen and women. The presence of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister underscored the importance of recognizing acts of extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.
The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra awards presented during the ceremony are among the most prestigious gallantry honors in India, given for valorous actions in peacetime. These awards highlight the courage exhibited by personnel in situations that often involve life-threatening risks but do not occur during active war.
HEROES HONOURED: 6 KIRTI CHAKRAS AND 33 SHAURYA CHAKRAS AWARDED
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of six Kirti Chakras, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, including four posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, with seven awarded posthumously. These awards were given to personnel from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, Central Armed Police Forces, and various State and Union Territory Police forces. The recipients were recognized for their extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty, often in the face of grave danger.
Recipients of the Kirti Chakra demonstrated exceptional bravery, often in counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations. Their actions not only saved lives but also maintained the nation’s security in volatile regions. The posthumous awards serve as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by these heroes.
The Shaurya Chakra awardees come from diverse branches of the armed forces and police, reflecting the multifaceted nature of India’s internal security challenges. Their gallantry in operations ranging from firefighting to anti-piracy missions showcases the wide scope of courage required to protect the nation.
The Gallantry Awards ceremony also highlighted the crucial role of teamwork and camaraderie in the armed forces. Many acts of bravery were possible only because of the trust and coordination among team members, reinforcing the importance of unity in high-stress situations. The stories shared at the event illustrated how collective effort often leads to extraordinary outcomes.
The presence of senior military officials and government leaders at the ceremony further emphasized the nation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting its defenders. Their words of encouragement and gratitude served as a morale booster for the armed forces and police, reminding them that their sacrifices are deeply valued by the country.
For the younger generation, the ceremony provided powerful role models to look up to. The awardees’ courage and dedication are likely to inspire many to consider careers in national service, strengthening the future of India’s defense and security.
As the nation reflects on the acts of valor celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan, there is a renewed sense of national pride and unity. The Gallantry Awards not only honor individual heroes but also reinforce the collective spirit that binds the country together in times of challenge and triumph.
FOCUS ON SUPREME SACRIFICE: POSTHUMOUS HONOURS FOR FALLEN BRAVEHEARTS
Among the Kirti Chakra recipients, four were honoured posthumously: Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan. Their acts of valour, ranging from counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir to anti-terror missions in the North-East, stand as a testament to the ultimate sacrifice made in the line of duty. Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry and Major Manjit of The Punjab Regiment were also awarded the Kirti Chakra for their outstanding bravery.
The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for exceptional courage and valour, was bestowed upon 33 individuals, including seven posthumous recipients such as Major Aashish Dhonchak, Sepoy Pardeep Singh, Havildar Rohit Kumar, Constable Pawan Kumar, Constable Devan C, Vijayan Kutty G, and Captain Deepak Singh. Their stories of heroism, often in life-threatening situations, have inspired the nation and reaffirmed the indomitable spirit of India’s defenders.
Each awardee’s story reflects a unique instance of heroism, whether it was neutralizing terrorists under fire, rescuing civilians during disasters, or standing firm in the face of grave danger. These narratives inspire not only their comrades but also citizens across the country.
The families of the posthumous awardees were honored with deep respect, receiving the medals on behalf of their loved ones. Their presence at the ceremony was a powerful testament to the personal cost of national security and the sacrifices made by military families.
A CELEBRATION OF COURAGE: STORIES BEHIND THE MEDALS
The Gallantry Awards recognize acts of raw courage and selflessness, with many recipients displaying total disregard for personal safety in the service of the nation. The awardees’ actions spanned a range of operations, including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency missions, anti-piracy operations, and life-saving fire-fighting efforts. The Kirti Chakra is awarded for conspicuous gallantry not directly in the face of the enemy, while the Shaurya Chakra honours those who demonstrate exceptional courage in situations away from the battlefield.
A particularly poignant moment was the posthumous award of the Kirti Chakra to Naik Dilwar Khan of the Regiment of Artillery, 28 Rashtriya Rifles. His bravery during an ambush operation in Kupwara’s Lolab Valley, where he neutralized terrorists at great personal risk, was highlighted as an example of supreme sacrifice and professionalism.
The ceremony also served as a platform to reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting the armed forces and police personnel. It highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance training, equipment, and welfare measures to empower those who safeguard the nation.
In her address, President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the values of courage, duty, and patriotism embodied by the awardees. She called upon citizens to draw inspiration from their sacrifices and to uphold the spirit of unity and resilience.
NATION PAYS TRIBUTE: LEADERS AND FAMILIES HONOUR THE BRAVE
The Defence Investiture Ceremony was attended by the families of the awardees, many of whom received the medals on behalf of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice. The presence of top constitutional authorities—including the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister—underscored the nation’s gratitude and respect for its heroes. The President, in her address, praised the courage and dedication of the awardees, emphasizing that their actions serve as an inspiration for all Indians.
The event was marked by emotional moments as families of the fallen were honoured, and serving personnel were recognized for their gallantry. The ceremony served as a reminder of the price paid by the armed forces and police in safeguarding the nation’s security and integrity.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is not only a recognition of individual gallantry but also a celebration of the collective strength and resolve of India’s defense and security apparatus. It reminds the nation of the vigilance and bravery required to maintain peace and sovereignty.
As the ceremony concluded, the awardees and their families left with a renewed sense of pride and purpose. Their stories of valor continue to inspire the nation, reinforcing the ideals that define India’s enduring spirit of courage and sacrifice.
The emotional atmosphere at Rashtrapati Bhavan was palpable as each recipient’s name was called, and their acts of valor were recounted before the assembled dignitaries and families. The stories of courage, often involving split-second decisions under immense pressure, highlighted the exceptional character and training of India’s armed forces and police.
Many of the awardees had displayed remarkable presence of mind and determination in situations where the odds were stacked against them. Their ability to remain calm and act decisively in the face of danger has set new benchmarks for bravery in service of the nation.
The posthumous honors, in particular, drew attention to the sacrifices made by soldiers and officers who laid down their lives for the country. The families, while grieving their loss, stood tall with pride as they accepted the medals, knowing that their loved ones’ legacy would inspire generations to come.
LEGACY OF VALOUR: INSPIRATION FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Gallantry Awards not only honour individual acts of heroism but also reinforce the values of courage, duty, and patriotism. The stories of the awardees are expected to inspire future generations to serve the nation with the same commitment and fearlessness. The Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-I) has once again highlighted the unwavering resolve of India’s armed forces and police, who stand as the nation’s first line of defence against all threats.
As the medals were pinned and citations read, the nation collectively saluted its heroes—those who returned to tell their stories, and those whose stories will forever be told by a grateful country.
The ceremony also served as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds from which India’s heroes emerge. Awardees hailed from different regions, communities, and branches of service, reflecting the unity and inclusivity of the nation’s defense forces.
Public reaction to the Gallantry Awards has been overwhelmingly positive, with citizens expressing gratitude and admiration for the courage displayed by the recipients. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of respect and tributes, as people from all walks of life came together to honor the brave.
Looking forward, the stories shared at the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 will continue to resonate across the country. They serve as a powerful call to duty, reminding every Indian of the values of selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s safety and integrity.
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