New Delhi: In a solemn ceremony on Independence Day, President Draupadi Murmu honored the valor and sacrifice of our brave security personnel by announcing 103 Veerata Awards. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional acts of courage and gallantry exhibited by individuals who put their lives on the line to protect our nation.
Kirti Chakra for Colonel Manpreet Singh
Colonel Manpreet Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice during an anti-terrorism operation in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir last year, will be posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. This esteemed award, the second highest in peacetime, acknowledges his unwavering commitment to duty. Notably, Colonel Singh had also received the Army Medal during his tenure as second-in-command in the 19th National Rifles.
Honoring Other Heroes
Joining Colonel Singh in this honor are three more remarkable individuals:
- Rifleman Ravi Kumar (posthumously): His courage on the front lines during the same anti-terrorism operation deserves recognition.
- Major Malla Ram Gopal Naidu: His leadership and sacrifice exemplify the spirit of bravery.
- Deputy Superintendent Humayun Muzammil Bhat (posthumously): His unwavering commitment to maintaining peace in the region will be remembered.
A Total of 103 Gallantry Awards
The Ministry of Defense revealed that a total of 103 gallantry awards were approved by President Murmu. Alongside the Kirti Chakras, these awards include:
- 18 Shaurya Chakras (four of which are posthumous)
- One Bar to Two Army Medals
- 63 Army Medals
- 11 Navy Medals
- Six Air Force Medals
Names of Shaurya Chakra Awardees
The Shaurya Chakra recipients include distinguished officers and soldiers:
- Colonel Pawan Singh (Army Aviation Squadron)
- Major CVS Nikhil (21st Battalion, Special Forces Parachute Regiment)
- Major Ashish Dhonchak (posthumous, Sikh Light Infantry)
- Major Tripatpreet Singh (34th Battalion, Army Service Corps/National Rifles)
- Major Sahil Randhawa (34th Battalion, Artillery Regiment/National Rifles)
More Heroes Recognized
Other awardees include:
- Subedar Sanjeev Singh Jasrotia (5th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles)
- Naib Subedar P Pabin Singha (56th Battalion, Artillery Regiment/Rashtriya Rifles)
- Sepoy Pradeep Singh (posthumously, 19th Battalion, Sikh Light Infantry/Rashtriya Rifles)
- Abdul Latif (Jammu and Kashmir Police)
- Captain Sharad Sinsuwal (Commanding Officer, Indian Naval Ship Kolkata)
CRPF Leads in Police Gallantry Medals
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stands out, receiving 57 Police Gallantry Medals, including five Shaurya Chakras. These awards recognize their operations in Jammu and Kashmir and their efforts against Naxalism in Left Wing Extremism-affected states.
Honoring Sacrifice
In a poignant moment, two Border Security Force personnel who lost their lives in Manipur violence will be awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry. Constables Narendra Kumar and Ranjit Yadav, along with Assistant Commandant Ashok Kumar, exemplify the unwavering dedication of our security forces.
