President Droupadi Murmu approved the gallantry awards for 70 personnel from the Indian armed forces and the central armed police forces on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. The awards also included one Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
The gallantry awards include: three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous award, one Bar to the Sena Medal (Gallantry), and 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Indian Army officer who became a prominent face of the Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in 2025, has been named for the Vishisht Seva Medal. The Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order and recognizes sustained commitment and professionalism in the armed forces.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the face of Operation Sindoor briefings, will be conferred with the Vishisht Seva Medal. (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)
The Kirti Chakra will be awarded to Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh, and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba for their exemplary bravery and distinguished service. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will be honored with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his exceptional leadership and service to the nation.
The President also approved 301 military decorations for the armed forces and other personnel. These include 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, nine Yudh Seva Medals, two Bars to the Sena Medal, 43 Distinguished Sena Medals, eight Distinguished Nao Sena Medals, 14 Distinguished Vayu Sena Medals, and 135 Vishisht Seva Medals.
