7 Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras and 29 Shaurya Chakras awarded to Armed Forces and Security Personnel for exceptional courage and sacrifice
In a proud moment for the nation, President Droupadi Murmu conferred 51 Gallantry Awards upon personnel of the Armed Forces, CAPFs, and Police Forces during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
The ceremony celebrated extraordinary acts of bravery, courage, and selfless devotion to duty displayed by soldiers and security personnel while serving the nation under extremely challenging conditions.
Among the awards presented were:
- 7 Kirti Chakras (including 2 posthumous)
- 15 Vir Chakras (including 3 posthumous)
- 29 Shaurya Chakras (including 1 posthumous)
These gallantry awards recognize personnel who displayed exceptional courage during counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, combat engagements, rescue operations, and other high-risk military and security assignments.
Kirti Chakra Awardees: Stories of Extraordinary Courage
The Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was awarded to seven brave soldiers and officers for acts of exceptional valour.
The recipients included:
- Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A (34 Rashtriya Rifles)
- Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba (2 Para Special Forces)
- Major Arshdeep Singh (1 Assam Rifles)
- Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Indian Air Force)
- Captain Lalrinawma Sailo (4 Para Special Forces)
The nation also paid tribute to two heroes who made the supreme sacrifice:
- Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar (1 Rashtriya Rifles) – Posthumous
- Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari (1 Sikkim Scouts) – Posthumous
Lt. Shashank Tiwary: An Inspiration for Defence Aspirants
Among the Kirti Chakra awardees, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari's journey continues to inspire thousands of young Indians. A native of Ayodhya, he prepared for the NDA at Centurion Defence Academy under the guidance of renowned defence mentor Shishir Dixit. After clearing NDA and undergoing training at the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the prestigious Sikkim Scouts Regiment. For his exceptional courage, leadership, and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, Lt. Shashank Tiwari was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra.
President Murmu's Gesture That Won Hearts
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony came when Lt. Shashank Tiwari's parents, Mrs Neeta Tiwari and Mr Jang Bahadur Tiwari, received the Kirti Chakra on behalf of their son. As emotions overwhelmed the family, President Droupadi Murmu stepped beyond protocol and personally approached them to offer comfort and support. The heartfelt gesture touched millions across the country and served as a powerful reminder that behind every gallantry award is a family whose sacrifice for the nation can never be measured.
Their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of young Indians aspiring to serve the country.
Operation Sindoor Heroes Receive Vir Chakra
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of personnel who played crucial roles during Operation Sindoor, one of India's most significant recent military operations.
The Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, was presented to several Army and Air Force personnel who demonstrated remarkable bravery during operational missions.
Among the recipients were:
- Colonel Koshank Lamba
- Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu
- Group Captain Manish Arora
- Group Captain Animesh Patni
- Group Captain Kunal Kalra
- Group Captain Joy Chandra
- Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht
- Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar
- Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh
- Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik
- Squadron Leader Aarshveer Singh Thakur
- Naib Subedar Satish Kumar
Three brave personnel were awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously:
- Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj
- Constable Deepak Chingakham
- Rifleman Sunil Kumar (4 Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry)
Their actions during critical operations showcased the highest traditions of courage and dedication expected from India's security forces.
Shaurya Chakra Awarded to 29 Personnel
The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for gallantry other than in the face of the enemy, was presented to 29 personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and Police Forces.
Some of the notable awardees included:
- Lieutenant Colonel Neetesh Bharti Shukla
- Major Aditya Pratap Singh
- Major Ashish Kumar
- Deputy Commandant Mohd Shafiq
- Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar
- Leading Seaman Ram Goyal
- Group Captain Abhimanyu Singh
- Major Bhargav Kalita
- Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh
- Major Anshul Baltoo
- Major Shivkant Yadav
- Lieutenant Commander Dilna K
- Lieutenant Commander Roopa A
The Shaurya Chakra was also awarded posthumously to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand of 4 Rashtriya Rifles, honouring his supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
A Ceremony That Reflects the Spirit of India
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is more than an awards function; it is a tribute to the countless men and women who stand guard so that the nation can sleep peacefully.
This year's awardees represent the very best of India's Armed Forces and security services. Their stories remind us that courage is not merely about facing danger; it is about placing duty above self, even when the risks are immense.
For defence aspirants preparing for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer, and other military careers, these brave warriors serve as powerful examples of leadership, commitment, and patriotism.
As the nation salutes these heroes, their sacrifices and achievements continue to strengthen the spirit of service that defines India's military tradition.
Jai Hind!
Read more:
Remembering Lt. Shashank Tiwari: A Tale of Courage and Sacrifice That Moved the Nation
