India’s valor finds fitting recognition on the eve of its 77th Republic Day, with President Droupadi Murmu approving 70 gallantry awards for armed forces heroes, including six posthumous citations that echo eternal sacrifice.
Detailed honors comprise one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumous), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) featuring five posthumous, six Nau Sena Medals (Gallantry), and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Spotlighting Shaurya Chakra winners from the Army: Lieutenant Colonel Ghateghe Aditya Shrikumar (21 Para Special Forces), Major Anshul Baltu (32 Assam Rifles), Major Shivkant Yadav (5 Para SF), Major Vivek Mech (42 National Rifles), Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh (11 Para SF), Captain Yogendra Singh Thakur (6 Para SF), Subedar PH Moses (1 Assam Rifles), Baldev Chand (posthumous, 4 National Rifles), Rifleman Manglam Sang Waifei (3 Assam Rifles), and Rifleman Dhruba Jyoti Dutta (33 Assam Rifles).
The Indian Navy celebrates as Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A. earn Shaurya Chakras, showcasing trailblazing courage.
Complementing these, 301 service awards were approved: 30 PVSMs, 4 UYSMs, 56 AVSMs, 9 YSMs, 2 Bar to SM (Distinguished), 43 SMs (Distinguished), 8 NMs (Distinguished), 14 VSMs (Distinguished), and 135 VSMs.
Finally, 131 Padma Awards for 2026 received the nod—Padma Vibhushan for supreme service, Padma Bhushan for exceptional merit, Padma Shri for commendable work across arts, sciences, public service, and more. As the tricolor prepares to fly high, these awards galvanize the spirit of the nation.