Defence awareness

Gallantry awards

Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and the other honours.

Photo: Statue of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, at Param Yodha Sthal, New Delhi
Statue of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, at Param Yodha Sthal, New Delhi. Photo: Krishna Chaitanya Velaga, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

India honours the bravery of its soldiers with gallantry awards. They are given on Republic Day and Independence Day.

  • Param Vir Chakra (PVC)The highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It began in 1950. The first PVC went to Major Somnath Sharma (4 Kumaon), who died in 1947 defending Srinagar airfield. Other recipients include Captain Vikram Batra (Kargil, 1999) and Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (IAF, 1971).
  • Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)The second-highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
  • Vir Chakra (VrC)The third-highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
  • Ashoka ChakraThe highest peace-time gallantry award, given for courage away from the battlefield.
  • Kirti Chakra and Shaurya ChakraThe second and third peace-time gallantry awards.
  • Sena, Nau Sena and Vayu Sena MedalsAwards for gallantry and distinguished service in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
  • Distinguished service medalsParam Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Questions students ask

Who got the first Param Vir Chakra?

Major Somnath Sharma of the 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment, for his bravery in 1947 near Srinagar.

Is there a difference between Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra?

The Param Vir Chakra is for bravery in front of the enemy; the Ashoka Chakra is for bravery away from the battlefield.

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