New Delhi witnessed a moment of pride on the eve of the 77th Republic Day as President Droupadi Murmu greenlit 70 gallantry awards for armed forces personnel. Among these honors, six are posthumous, recognizing extraordinary bravery in the line of duty.
The prestigious list features one Ashok Chakra, the nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award, three Kirti Chakras, and 13 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous. Additional awards include one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) with five posthumous, six Nau Sena Medals (Gallantry), and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Standouts among the Shaurya Chakra recipients from the Army include Lieutenant Colonel Ghateghe Aditya Shrikumar from 21 Para (Special Forces), Major Anshul Baltu from 32 Assam Rifles, Major Shivkant Yadav from 5 Para (Special Forces), Major Vivek Mech from 42 Rashtriya Rifles, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh from 11 Para (Special Forces), and Captain Yogendra Singh Thakur from 6 Para (Special Forces).
Other Army honorees are Subedar PH Moses from 1 Assam Rifles, Baldev Chand (posthumous) from 4 Rashtriya Rifles, Rifleman Manglam Sang Waifei from 3 Assam Rifles, and Rifleman Dhruba Jyoti Dutta from 33 Assam Rifles. In a historic milestone, two women officers from the Navy, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A., have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra.
Beyond gallantry, President Murmu approved 301 military honors for armed forces members, encompassing 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, nine Yudh Seva Medals, two Bar to Sena Medals (Distinguished), 43 Sena Medals (Distinguished), eight Nau Sena Medals (Distinguished), 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Distinguished), and 135 Vishisht Seva Medals.
In another significant announcement, the President sanctioned 131 Padma Awards for 2026, India’s top civilian honors categorized into Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These accolades celebrate exceptional contributions across arts, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, medicine, literature, education, sports, and civil service.
The Padma Vibhushan recognizes unparalleled service, Padma Bhushan outstanding achievements, and Padma Shri distinguished efforts in any field. Traditionally announced on Republic Day, these awards underscore the nation’s gratitude to its heroes, both in uniform and civilian life, as India gears up for its 77th Republic Day celebrations.
