Gallantry & Military Awards
India's military decorations honor acts of exceptional bravery, valor, and devotion to duty by armed forces personnel and citizens. Instituted on 26 January 1950 with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947, wartime gallantry awards comprise the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), and Vir Chakra (VrC). Major Somnath Sharma of the Kumaon Regiment was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra for his actions during the 1947 Battle of Badgam. Peacetime gallantry awards, instituted in 1952 and renamed in 1967, comprise the Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. Distinguished service medals include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Sena/Nao Sena/Vayu Sena Medals. The Param Vir Chakra medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar (born Eve Yvonne Maday de Maros).
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest wartime gallantry award, designed by Savitri Khanolkar.
- Major Somnath Sharma received the first Param Vir Chakra posthumously for defending Srinagar airfield in November 1947.
- Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the sole Indian Air Force recipient of the Param Vir Chakra (1971 Indo-Pak War).
- The Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award, equivalent to the wartime Param Vir Chakra.
- Naik Narbahadur Thapa and Havildar Bachittar Singh were the first recipients of the Ashoka Chakra in 1952.