Every Republic Day brings us back to the reasons why the uniform demands our respect, not only because of the medals that it holds, but because of the tales that lie behind every single one of them. Republic Day 2026 was more than just the parade on Kartavya Path and the carefully designed marching manoeuvres; it was about people, about bravery, and about the service to the nation from cold battlefronts and anti-terror operations to parade grounds and even a quiet pond in Prayagraj.
The Republic Day celebrations this year have brought together war heroes, young officers who have carried the torch forward, civilians who have rallied around when the time came, special forces personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the nation, and women officers who are redefining leadership in the realm of modern warfare.
From a Taxi Driver to a Living Legend: Honorary Captain Sanjay Kumar, PVC
Few stories can motivate defence aspirants as much as that of Honorary Captain Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, one of India's few living legends, who has been awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Born into a humble Dogra family in Himachal Pradesh, Sanjay Kumar’s life has never been easy. Before joining the olive green, he was a taxi driver in Delhi to make ends meet. He was rejected thrice during the selection process. Many would have given up on their dreams. Not Sanjay Kumar. In 1996, his determination finally paid off when he was selected to serve in the 13 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.
His name will always be etched in the pages of history for his act of bravery during the Kargil War of 1999. On July 4, during the attack on Point 4875 (Flat Top) in the Mushkoh Valley, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar showed outstanding bravery when he led the attack voluntarily despite heavy enemy fire. He was hit twice, once in the chest and once in the arm, but he continued to crawl forward, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, destroying enemy bunkers, and turning the tide of the battle.
For this unprecedented act of bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, which is the highest military honour for bravery in India.
On Republic Day in 2026, the nation stood up for him again as he was awarded a promotion to the rank of Honorary Captain, which is an honour beyond rank, a recognition of a lifetime of bravery, resilience, and service. From the cliffs of Kargil to Kartavya Path, his legend inspires a new generation of young Indians who dream of the uniform.
A Son Fulfilling a Dream: Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary and the Mixed Scouts Contingent
Republic Day 2026 also witnessed a moment that beautifully blended tradition, youth, and national unity.
Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary, a second-generation officer from 2 Arunachal Scouts, commanded the first-ever Mixed Scouts Contingent during the Republic Day Parade. This was not only a career achievement for him but also a personal one. His father had marched on the same route during the 1990 Republic Day Parade, and now, after all these years, he was leading troops on the same route on Kartavya Path.
The Mixed Scouts Contingent brought together soldiers from:
- Arunachal Scouts
- Sikkim Scouts
- Ladakh Scouts
- Garhwal Scouts
- Dogra Scouts
- Kumaon Scouts
These battalions are famous for their operations in some of the most extreme terrains on the planet, at high altitudes, in extreme cold, and at distant borders. The Mixed Scouts Contingent, dressed in Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Systems (ECWCS), special boots, and protective goggles, represented the country’s preparedness to defend every bit of its borders.
The Mixed Scouts Contingent, led by Lieutenant Amit Chaudhary, was the embodiment of the future of the Indian Army: young, talented, inclusive, and deeply rooted in tradition.
When Civilians Become Heroes: Prayagraj Bravehearts Honoured by the IAF
Not all heroes wear uniforms, and Republic Day 2026 made sure that we did not forget this fact.
On January 21, 2026, an IAF Microlite trainer aircraft made an emergency landing in a marshy wetland near Prayagraj due to a technical issue. The pilots were forced to eject safely but found themselves stranded in the rough terrain.
Without waiting for orders or recognition, three civilians, Pankaj, Lal Sahab, and Alok Yadav, decided to act on their own to save the air force personnel stranded in the water and mud. Their timely action and selflessness saved the air force personnel. The videos of the rescue operation went viral, and the entire nation’s heart was touched.
On Republic Day, the Indian Air Force honoured these civilians at Air Force Station Bamrauli, reminding everyone that the responsibility of protecting the nation rests not only in the military but in the spirit of all.
This incident has shown that the bond between the military and the civilians is one of extreme unity and that the spirit of courage and responsibility also lies in the civilians.
Supreme Sacrifice: Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh, Sena Medal (Posthumous)
Though there was celebration in the air, the nation also bowed its head in respect for those who had paid the ultimate price.
Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 Para (Special Forces) received the Sena Medal posthumously on Republic Day in 2026. He was from West Bengal and was martyred during a counter-terrorism operation in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 24, 2025.
Even after receiving critical injuries during the gun battle, Havaldar Shaikh fought till his last breath. His act of bravery was the embodiment of the Special Forces' mission itself: first, self last.
The Sena Medal was not only a symbol of his bravery but also a symbol of his unflinching commitment to the nation. His sacrifice is a reminder that the freedom and security we enjoy have been achieved at a huge cost.
Breaking Barriers with Excellence: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Vishisht Seva Medal
The Republic Day celebrations in 2026 also recognised the kind of leadership that is not always found on the front lines.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Corps of Signals was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal for her exemplary service in Operation Sindoor, a massive counter-terrorism operation that was launched in 2025.
Colonel Qureshi has over two decades of experience and played a crucial role in the operation as the chief spokesperson of the armed forces. In situations where the stakes are high and tensions are running high, she has made sure that communication is proper and that there is no compromise on the operation, all while keeping the public on her side.
Her recognition highlighted two important realities of today’s armed forces:
- The need for effective communication and strategic leadership in modern warfare
- Women officers are no longer trailblazers; they are leading from the front
For young women who have aspirations to be part of the armed forces, Colonel Qureshi’s achievement is a reminder that leadership has nothing to do with gender but everything to do with ability, dedication, and bravery.
Beyond Earth, Beyond Limits: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Ashoka Chakra
The Republic Day of 2026 also celebrated the spirit of a certain kind of courage that took India beyond its borders.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force received the Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award conferred by India, from President Droupadi Murmu at Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade.
Group Captain Shukla, from Lucknow, made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the second Indian to go to space, as part of the Axiom-4 (Axe-4) mission in June 2025, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic space journey.
With more than 2,000 hours of flying experience, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a highly experienced fighter pilot who has flown different aircraft such as Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. During his 18-day stay on the ISS, he conducted world-class scientific experiments that earned him international recognition and helped India’s ambitions in human spaceflight.
The Ashoka Chakra was a tribute to his qualities of indomitable courage, composure, and restraint, not only as a soldier but also as a space traveller. His achievement marked a new horizon where military might, scientific knowledge, and national pride converge.
One Nation, Many Forms of Courage
Republic Day 2026 was not about one story, but many stories intertwined.
- A soldier who scaled enemy bunkers despite being hit by bullets
- A young officer living up to his father’s legacy
- Civilians who did not think twice about saving others
- A special forces soldier who fought until his last breath
- A woman officer who led strategic missions with confidence
Each one of them reminds us that the spirit of service to the nation comes in many forms.
For defence aspirants, these stories are not merely motivational but also a learning experience in the values of perseverance, discipline, courage, and humility. For civilians, they are a reminder of why the tricolour fills them with pride every time it goes up.
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