President Murmu Honors Bravery
In a prestigious ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces for acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness. Among the awardees is Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an IAF pilot and Gaganyatri, who exemplified courage and dedication in the line of duty. The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizes his extraordinary valor and commitment to national service.
The investiture ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior defence officials, also honored 15 Vir Chakras and 29 Shaurya Chakras across the defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state police. Recipients were recognized for exemplary actions ranging from counter-terrorism operations to perilous naval expeditions, demonstrating both skill and resilience under extreme conditions.
Exceptional Feats in Naval and Military Operations
Notable among the Shaurya Chakra awardees are Lt Commander Roopa A and Lt Commander Dilna K of the Indian Navy, who completed the Navika Sagar Parikrama II, sailing over 25,600 nautical miles across challenging oceans, becoming the first Indians to reach Point Nemo. Their courage during navigation of the stormy Drake Passage exemplifies extraordinary endurance and leadership.
Other awardees include Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundarama, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, Major Arshdeep Singh, and Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, recognized for their gallantry in counter-insurgency operations. Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar and Lt Shashank Tiwari received the Kirti Chakra posthumously, highlighting the ultimate sacrifice made in service of the nation.
The awards underscore India’s commitment to honoring bravery, dedication, and strategic excellence in national defence. President Murmu, through the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I), acknowledged the selfless service of these individuals, reinforcing public recognition of courage and inspiring future generations of service personnel. The ceremony not only celebrated military feats but also showcased India’s leadership in fostering heroism, resilience, and strategic capability within its armed forces.
