The awards recognise acts of gallantry and distinguished service rendered by defence personnel. File (Representational image)
| Photo Credit: PTI
Indian President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards, including nine Kirti Chakras and 19 Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. Here’s a look at the major gallantry awards, when they were constituted and more about how the nation honours its Bravehearts.What are gallantry awardsThe gallantry awards recognise acts of exceptional courage or distinguished service rendered by defence personnel during various operations. The awards are announced twice every year — Republic Day and Independence Day. The order of precedence of the awards is Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra.Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or daring or pre-eminent act of self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in air. The first soldier to win the Param Vir Chakra was Major Somnath Sharma, who was martyred in 1947.
India's highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy, the Param Vir Chakra. Bottom (left): The first winner of the award, Major Somnath Sharma, who died in the Kashmir action on November 3, 1947. Major Dhan Singh Thapa (centre), who repulsed the Chinese attack on a post in Ladakh in 1962 and Major Shaitan Singh (right), for bravery against the Chinese at Rezang La in the Chusul sector of Ladakh.
