Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu has approved a total of 127 Gallantry Awards, 40 Distinguished Service Awards, and 290 Mentions-in-Despatches, honouring the extraordinary bravery and service of personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

Gallantry Awards Recognise Courage on the Frontlines

This year’s list includes:

• 4 Kirti Chakras
• 15 Vir Chakras
• 16 Shaurya Chakras
• 2 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
• 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 6 Nao Sena Medals
• 26 Vayu Sena Medals

Also recognised were:

• 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals
• 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
• 24 Yudh Seva Medals

Many of these honours have been awarded for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, a critical counter-terror response that neutralised threats from across the border. Personnel involved in air defence operations, particularly those handling the S-400 and other systems, were among the awardees.
Air and Naval Leaders Honoured for Operation Sindoor

From the Indian Air Force:

• Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of Air Staff
• Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti, DG Air Operations
• Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Western Air Commander

All three have been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their strategic leadership during Operation Sindoor.

From the Indian Navy:

• Vice Admiral S.J. Singh, former Western Naval Commander – Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
• Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti – Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
• Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, DGNO – Yudh Seva Medal

Noteworthy Awardees

Gallantry medals have also been conferred on:

• Captain Lalrinawma Sailo (4 Para, Special Forces)
• Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari (Army Service Corps, 1 Sikkim Scouts)
• Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu (Indian Air Force)

Mentions-in-Despatches

The 290 personnel recognised include:

• 115 from the Indian Army
• 5 from the Indian Navy
• 167 from the Indian Air Force
• 3 from the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB)

Coast Guard Recognition

President Murmu has also approved Tatrakshak Medals for five Indian Coast Guard personnel for acts of exceptional gallantry and distinguished service.

These awards reflect the nation’s continued commitment to acknowledging the bravery, sacrifice, and service of its defenders — those who uphold India’s sovereignty and safety in times of peace and conflict alike.