Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Shoury Arya has etched his name in India’s military history by becoming the first civil servant to receive the Sena Medal (Gallantry). He was honoured with the prestigious award on India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations held in the year 2026, for his brave contribution to the operation against narco-terrorism carried out along with the Assam Rifles.
The achievement of Lt Col. Arya deserves special mention, not only for the valour displayed but also because he is a senior officer in the Indian Revenue Service and a Territorial Army officer at the same time, a very rare blend of duties. The experience of the officer is in many ways an inspiring tale of how different spheres of administration can come together to serve a common cause.
Gallantry in Narco-Terror Operations
The Sena Medal (Gallantry) award was conferred on the officer, Lt Col. Arya, in recognition of his significant contribution to the operations in the countering of narcotics terror, which was conducted with the close collaboration with the troops from the Assam Rifles. Despite the security implications, it is confirmed that the contribution of the officer to the operations in countering the terror that is caused by these challenges, which threaten security to a larger extent, is imperative.
The issue of narco-terrorism still stands out as one of the most intricate challenges, and it is also a challenge that has hindered sensitive zones globally. Finally, it is notable that Lt Col Arya, by virtue of his worthiness, displayed remarkable decision-making skills, apart from sheer courage.
A Rare Combination: IRS Officer and Army Paratrooper
Lt Col Arya is from the 2004 batch of the Indian Revenue Service and is presently posted as a Commissioner of Income Tax. His civil service role puts him in charge of bringing under one umbrella revenue administration and enforcement of laws relating to taxes, a post that requires high levels of integrity, analysis, and administrative skill.
Along with this, he also has active service with one of the most elite Territorial Army Parachute Regiments, TA42579P. Within these regiments, he has worked with professionalism coupled with bravery in all terrains. This is a prime example of the power of the Territorial Army, wherein civil service professionals can directly contribute to military service.
A Career Decorated with Valour
The Sena Medal (Gallantry) is not the first honour that Lt Col Arya has received for valour. In 2018, his exemplary act of valour when he was working as a Captain earned him the Shaurya Chakra. The Vishisht Seva Medal has also been awarded to him.
By virtue of being one of the 70 gallantry awardees of 2026, including the Ashok Chakra and the Kirti Chakra awardees, Lt Col Arya has attained the stature of being one of the most respected officers in the Armed Forces.
Strong Academic and Professional Background
Lt Col Arya’s journey is complemented by an elite academic base, and he has studied in the best institutions of the country and the world, including:
- Indian Military Academy
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- IIM Bangalore
- NALSAR University of Law
- London School of Economics
- Duke University
He has a PhD in Development Economics and is a post-doctoral fellow at the same time a post-doctoral fellow. Adding to his skill set, he is a commercial pilot and an advocate, thereby making his profession multi-dimensional in nature.
Personal Life and Inspiration
Along with this, he also serves in an active capacity ingiments, which is TA42579P. Within these reg one of the most prestigious Territorial Army regiments, he remains an epitome of professionalism and bravery in all kinds of terrain. This is an example of the Territorial Army’s power to incorporate professionals in civil services into military services.
An Inspiration for Future Generations
The story of Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Shoury Arya is more than just that; it is about contributions, dedication, and the ability to contribute to a nation regardless of one’s status. The story of this decorated officer is a major inspiration to civil servants, defence entrants, and professionals who want to contribute to a nation in various capacities.
By achieving the remarkable task of bridging the two vastly different worlds of civil service and military service, Lt. Col. Arya has proved that there is no one uniform on earth that defines the attributes of courage, competence, and commitment.
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