Onlykashmir.in News Desk
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday presented Gallantry Awards at the second Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, recognising acts of extraordinary bravery and distinguished service by personnel of India’s armed forces and security agencies. The ceremony, attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior military officials, was a tribute to the courage and dedication of those who have risked their lives in the service of the nation.
Among the senior officers honoured at the ceremony, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhary, Lieutenant General Neeraj Varshney, Lieutenant General Vikas Rohella, Lieutenant General Harbinder Singh Vandra and Lieutenant General Mohinder Pal Singh were awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, one of the highest distinctions conferred by the President for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
The gallantry awards presented at the investiture ceremony recognise exceptional acts of bravery by personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies operating in some of the most challenging and dangerous environments in the country. These include counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, counter-insurgency missions in the northeastern states, operations along India’s sensitive international borders and acts of extraordinary courage in aviation, maritime operations and humanitarian missions.
Jammu and Kashmir figures prominently in the context of these awards, as security forces personnel deployed in the region have continued to conduct operations against terrorist networks and armed groups in difficult terrain and under constant threat. The recognition of their bravery at the highest level of state is a powerful acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by the security establishment in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is one of the most significant events in India’s military calendar, symbolising the nation’s gratitude towards those who serve in uniform. By presiding over this ceremony, President Murmu reaffirmed the Constitutional commitment of the Republic to honour its defenders and to hold up their courage as an example for the country. The presence of the Vice President and the Defence Minister at the event underscored the political establishment’s recognition of the immense contribution of the armed forces to national security.
