Independence Day 2026: President Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards, 13 Posthumous
President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the Indian Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), on the eve of Independence Day 2026. Among these, 13 awards are posthumous, a solemn recognition of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation.
The announcement came as the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day 2026. The President, in her capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, approved the honours for exceptional bravery and sacrifice displayed in various counter-insurgency and border operations.
The Indian Army, in a statement, paid tribute to the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra, one of the highest peacetime gallantry awards. "Indian Army salutes the unyielding courage and bravery of Shaurya Chakra awardees. Their heroic tales will forever remain a source of inspiration for generations to come," the Army said.
The full list of gallantry awards comprises nine Kirti Chakras—seven of them posthumously—and one Bar to Shaurya Chakra. Nineteen Shaurya Chakras have been approved, one of which is posthumous. In addition, the Army has received five Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 36 Sena Medals, with five posthumous. The Navy has been awarded three Nao Sena Medals, and the Air Force five Vayu Sena Medals.
Notable among the Shaurya Chakra awardees are Major Gaurav Singh Brijwal of 21 Grenadiers, Major Vipeen Kumar of Dogra/11 Rashtriya Rifles, Naib Subedar Shankar Ram of 3 Assam Rifles, and Naib Subedar Dabbal Singh Bisht of 21 Para (Special Forces). Their acts of valour are described as inspirational, reflecting the highest standards of courage and devotion to duty.
In a parallel announcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared that a total of 1,057 personnel from the Police, Fire, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day 2026. The MHA stated that three police personnel have been honoured posthumously with Gallantry Medals: Chhattisgarh Police constables late Nitesh Ekka and late Ramesh Koreti, and Uttar Pradesh Police Inspector late Sunil Kumar.
The 1,057 awards comprise 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service. The Medal for Gallantry is conferred for conspicuous acts of bravery in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, with due consideration of the risks involved. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service recognises a special and distinguished record, while the Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 272 have gone to police personnel and 29 to fire service personnel. Region-wise, the highest number—197—have been awarded to personnel serving in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, followed by 51 in Jammu and Kashmir, 12 in the North-East, and 41 in other regions. This distribution highlights the challenging operational environments in which these personnel serve.
The President's Medal for Distinguished Service has been awarded to 83 police, four fire service, three Civil Defence and Home Guard, and two Correctional Service personnel. The Medal for Meritorious Service has been awarded to 606 police, 28 fire service, 18 Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 12 Correctional Service personnel.
These awards underscore the nation's gratitude to its bravest sons and daughters, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The news has been welcomed across the country, with citizens and officials alike honouring the exceptional courage of the awardees.
