President Droupadi Murmu approves 127 Gallantry awards for Armed Forces on Independence Day
President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 Gallantry Awards, 40 Distinguished Service Awards, and 290 Mentions-in-Despatches on India’s 79th Independence Day. Awards honour exceptional courage, gallantry in operations including Operation Sindoor, and meritorious service across military and paramilitary forces
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has approved 127 Gallantry Awards, 40 Distinguished Service Awards, and 290 Mentions-in-Despatches to honour the valour and dedication of Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day.
Among the Gallantry Awards approved are 4 Kirti Chakra, 15 Vir Chakra, 16 Shaurya Chakra, 2 Bars to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medal (Gallantry), 6 Nao Sena Medal, 26 Vayu Sena Medal, 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, and 24 Yudh Seva Medal.
The list includes officers and soldiers who operated the S-400 and other air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, successfully thwarting planned attacks by Pakistan on Indian soil.
Additionally, 290 personnel were mentioned in dispatches, including 115 from the Indian Army, 5 from the Indian Navy, 167 from the Indian Air Force, and 3 from the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).
Indian Air Force officers have been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their outstanding role in Operation Sindoor. Among the recipients are Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari, DG Air Operations Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti, and Western Air Commander Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra.
On Independence Day, former Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral S.J. Singh is to be honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for Operation Sindoor, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, and Vice Admiral and DGNO A.N. Pramod with the Yudh Seva Medal.
Notable awardees also include Captain Lalrinawma Sailo (4 Para, Special Forces), Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari (Army Service Corps, 1 Sikkim Scouts), and Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu (Air Force).
Awards recognise acts of exceptional courage, gallantry in operations, and distinguished service across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. President Murmu has also approved Tatrakshak Medals for five Indian Coast Guard personnel.
These honours celebrate conspicuous gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty, and meritorious service, reinforcing India’s commitment to recognising the bravery and selfless service of those who protect its sovereignty and citizens.
