In a poignant recognition of bravery, Army doctor Captain Anshuman Singh, aged 26, has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, the country’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Captain Singh laid down his life last July while bravely saving others during a fire near the Siachen Glacier. The Kirti Chakra is also conferred posthumously to Havildar Abdul Majid from Para-Special Forces and Sepoy Pawan Kumar from Rashtriya Rifles.
On the eve of the 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 80 Armed Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous recognitions. Among these, six soldiers were honored with the Kirti Chakra, three of whom sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Additionally, 16 Shaurya Chakras, 53 Sena Medals, one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), and four Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) were also approved.
Captain Anshuman Singh’s Sacrifice for Others
Captain Anshuman Singh, a member of the Army Medical Corps from the 26th Battalion Punjab Regiment, displayed exceptional courage when faced with a life-threatening situation near the Siachen Glacier. His selfless act of sacrificing his own life to save others during the fire has earned him the prestigious Kirti Chakra.
Other Honorees and Recognitions
Apart from the Kirti Chakra awardees, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal has been bestowed upon distinguished military leaders, including Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Central Army Commander Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, and Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh. Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, Chief of Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command, has also been honored with the PVSM.
Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary service. Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard has received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in recognition of his outstanding contributions.
Havildar Abdul Majid has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his brave actions during a search operation in the forested areas of the Rajouri sector on November 22, 2023. Serving as a squad commander, he evacuated the injured Captain MV Pranjal of 63 RR and then positioned himself near a cave housing terrorists. Despite being injured, Havildar Abdul Majid fired a grenade to force the hiding terrorist to come out. He approached the terrorist, eliminated the threat, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Similarly, Havildar Pawan Kumar of 55 Rashtriya Rifles Grenadiers received the Kirti Chakra posthumously for his heroic actions during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 27 of the previous year. While conducting a room intervention exercise, he neutralized a terrorist and injured another in a hand-to-hand fight. Unfortunately, he sacrificed his own life in the process.
A Salute to Bravery and Sacrifice
The posthumous Kirti Chakra awards for Captain Anshuman Singh, Havildar Abdul Majid, and Sepoy Pawan Kumar stand as a solemn tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. These individuals exemplify the unwavering commitment of our Armed Forces personnel in ensuring the safety and security of the nation. The recognition of their gallantry on Republic Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes in the line of duty.
Positive Takeaway
The gallantry awards bestowed upon these brave souls, especially the posthumous Kirti Chakra recipients, reflect the valor and dedication exhibited by our Armed Forces. As the nation celebrates its 75th Republic Day, these individuals symbolize the spirit of sacrifice and heroism that defines our defense forces.
