Unfurling Bravery: Spotlight on Gallantry Awards 2024

Honouring the Valor of Indian Armed Forces

 

Introduction to Gallantry Awards

 

  • The Gallantry Awards stand as glorious symbols of courage, valor, and sacrifice of officers/personnel of the Armed Forces and civilians in India.
  • These awards are presented to the brave hearts who exhibit extraordinary courage and valour in the face of danger.
  • Presented at a dignified event, the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2024, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, these awards were recently handed over by the President of India.
  • The Gallantry Awards are announced on two significant occasions in the nation's calendar - on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Classification of Gallantry Awards

 

 

  • Gallantry awards are fundamentally divided into two categories - those conferred in the face of the enemy and the ones awarded otherwise.

 

 Gallantry Awards Conferred in the Face of the Enemy

 

 

  • Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

 

-This medal features four replicas of "Indra's Vajra" with the Indian State Emblem embossed at the centre, symbolising the highest military honour in India.

 

  • Mahavir Chakra (MVC)

 

-With a five-pointed heraldic star touching the rim and a domed State Emblem at the centre, this award constitutes the second-highest military decoration.

 

  • Vir Chakra

 

-This medal is distinguished by featuring a Chakra at the centre with a domed centrepiece inside the Chakra bearing the gilded State Emblem.

 

 Gallantry Awards conferred Otherwise Than in Face of the Enemy

 

    1. Ashok Chakra
    2. Kirti Chakra
    3. Shaurya Chakra

-These categories of award medals capture a replica of their respective Chakra at the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. Both Hindi and English versions of the respective words are embossed on their reverse side, separated by two lotus flowers.

 

Sequence of Precedence of the Gallantry Awards

The precedence of the gallantry awards, metaphorically representing their significance, is as follows:

 

  1. Param Vir Chakra
  2. Ashoka Chakra
  3. Mahavir Chakra
  4. Kirti Chakra
  5. Vir Chakra
  6. Shaurya Chakra

 

Conclusion

 

The Gallantry Awards uncover an invaluable, inspiring narrative of unwavering courage against all odds. They continue to command profound reverence and honour in the national psyche, uniting the country in collective pride and admiration for its brave hearts.