On Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the armed conflicts of independent India by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Despite heavy rain, President Murmu was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh; the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. Two women Air Force officers also participated in the procession, carrying the wreath. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth were also present at the ceremony.
On the eve of the 79th Independence Day, President Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards for personnel of the armed forces and central armed police forces. The awards included four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Additionally, seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals were also approved.
The President also approved 290 'Mention-in-Despatches' to acknowledge distinguished service in various military operations. The recipients include 115 personnel from the Indian Army, five from the Indian Navy, 167 from the Indian Air Force, and three from the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).
Also Read: Nation honours the brave: Over 1,000 to receive gallantry medals
Nine Indian Air Force officers were honoured with the Vir Chakra for their valor during Operation Sindoor. These fighter pilots were recognized for targeting the headquarters of terrorist groups in Pakistan's Muridke and Bahawalpur, as well as the neighboring country's military assets.
The recipients are Group Captains Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, Kunal Kalra; Wing Commander Joy Chandra; Squadron Leaders Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik; and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur. During the operation, the Indian Air Force successfully neutralised at least six Pakistani aircraft. The Vir Chakra is India's third-highest military bravery award, following the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra, and is presented for acts of gallantry on the battlefield during wartime.
The National War Memorial, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019, honors the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in various conflicts since India's independence, including the 1999 Kargil War, the 1961 war in Goa, and other operations such as Operation Pawan and Operation Rakshak. The monument is spread across 40 acres and is designed to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding area.
Also Read: Operation Sindoor to be remembered as an example: President Murmu
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