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.
The awards are announced twice every year — Republic Day and Independence Day. Recommendations are invited in August for the awards to be announced on Republic Day and in March for the awards to be announced on the Independence Day. After the President’s approval, awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and Independence Day.
The Gallantry Awards recognise acts of exceptional courage or distinguished service rendered by defence personnel during various operations. The order of precedence of the awards is Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra. Six personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have also been awarded the Kirti Chakra, posthumously. The Defence Ministry invites recommendations from the Armed Forces and Union Home Ministry for gallantry awards, twice in a year. The Armed Forces and Home Ministry submit the recommendations to Central Honours & Awards Committee (CH&AC). The committee’s recommendations are submitted for the approval of the Prime Minister and the President.
President Droupadi Murmu and others during the Defence Investiture Ceremony–2026 (Phase I) for gallantry awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi in June. Photo: X/@SpokespersonMoD via PTI This year, totally nine Kirti Chakra were announced, including for Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF of 21 Para (Special Forces) and Major Jitendra Rathee of 2 Para (Special Forces) and Havildar Gajendra Singh of 2 Para (Special Forces). The awards announced by the Central government on August 14, 2026, also include 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including five posthumous; three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry); and five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
After Independence, the Indian government instituted the first three Gallantry Awards — Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra — on January 26, 1950.
