Honor Ceremony for Kirti and Shaurya Chakras

New Delhi, May 22 (PTI) - President Droupadi Murmu awarded six Kirti Chakras, with four presented posthumously, acknowledging the indomitable courage and extraordinary valor shown by Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in the line of duty. The Kirti Chakra is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Posthumous recipients include Col Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, two Army personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles, and a Jammu and Kashmir Police officer, as detailed in the government’s awardee list.

President Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, also presented 33 Shaurya Chakras, of which seven were posthumously awarded. These honors were given during a defense investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to a statement by the Defence Ministry.

The awardees of the Kirti Chakra include Maj Malla Rama Gopal Naidu from the Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, and Major Manjit from the Punjab Regiment, 22 Rashtriya Rifles. Posthumous honors were conferred upon Rifleman Ravi Kumar of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 63 Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, 19 Rashtriya Rifles, Naik Dilwar Khan of the Regiment of Artillery, 28 Rashtriya Rifles, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzzammil Bhat from the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Following the ceremony, Rashtrapati Bhavan shared images on its official X handle, highlighting President Murmu’s presentation of the Shaurya Chakra to various individuals. Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar of the Flying (Pilot) division was honored for his courageous decision to force-land an aircraft under life-threatening conditions, thus ensuring the safety of a national asset. Corporal Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabhai from the Indian Air Force displayed exceptional composure during a terrorist attack in May 2024, engaging the enemy despite being severely wounded, thereby saving the lives of his team members.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that the awarded bravery was demonstrated during operations related to counter-terror and counter-insurgency in regions like J&K and the northeast. These operations resulted in the neutralization and apprehension of several terrorists, with the recovery of arms and ammunition.

Indian Navy officers were also lauded for their roles in anti-piracy operations and fire-fighting on a burning oil tanker. Lt Cdr Kapil Yadav, assistant engineer officer of INS Visakhapatnam, and Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal, Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, received the Shaurya Chakra.

The Navy, in a post on X in August 2024, commended their efforts, particularly in averting disaster aboard MV Marlin Luanda, which was carrying highly flammable materials. Additionally, Captain Sharad Sinsunwal’s leadership in four successful operations in the Gulf of Aden since December 2023 was recognized.

Honorary mentions from the Indian Air Force included personnel who undertook daring rescue operations of aircraft while avoiding civilian areas to mitigate potential loss of life and property. The CRPF officers were also recognized for their gallant actions in regions affected by left-wing extremism, where Maoist insurgents were captured, and weapons were recovered. PTI KND MNK MNK