Context:
As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, President of India has conferred prestigious gallantry awards on Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Gallantry Awards on India’s 78th Independence Day
- Kirti Chakra: Four awards, including three posthumously. Originally started as Ashoka Chakra Class-II in 1952, redesigned in 1967. It features a circular silver medal with an embossed Ashoka Chakra, surrounded by a lotus wreath on a green ribbon with orange stripes. Awarded for notable gallantry not directly involving combat with the enemy; may be posthumously awarded.
- Shaurya Chakra: Eighteen awards given, four posthumously. Established as Ashoka Chakra Class-III in 1952 and renamed in 1967. The bronze medal displays a central Ashoka Chakra encircled by a lotus wreath. The green ribbon is sectioned by three vertical lines. Recipients performing further acts of gallantry can receive additional Bars.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry): Sixty-three awards, including two posthumous and one Bar for repeated acts of bravery or exceptional service, primarily awarded to Army personnel.
- Nao Sena Medals: Eleven awards given to Indian Navy personnel for extraordinary courage or commitment to duty.
- Vayu Sena Medals: Six awards to Air Force personnel for significant acts of courage or dedication to duty, emphasizing the importance of individual valor.
- Mention-in-Despatches: Thirty-nine mentions approved, including a posthumous one for Army Dog Kent, recognizing significant contributions across various military operations such as Operation Rakshak, Snow Leopard, Sahayata, Hifazat, Orchid, and Katchal. This honor is given for distinguished service that does not necessarily reach the threshold for gallantry awards. Recipients and their operations span across various strategic and humanitarian contexts, reflecting the broad scope of modern military engagements.
Operational Contexts
- Operation Rakshak: Ongoing counter-insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir since June 1990.
- Operation Snow Leopard: Initiated in 2020 following tensions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.
- Operation Sahayata: Provides humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
- Operation Orchid and Hifazat: Counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland and the Northeast.
