On May 22, 2025, the Rashtrapati Bhavan became the stage for a powerful tribute to India’s bravest. President Droupadi Murmu conferred six Kirti Chakras and thirty-three Shaurya Chakras upon individuals whose courage burns brighter than fear itself. Among these, four Kirti Chakras and seven Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously, each one a story of someone who chose their country over their life. 

These heroes emerged from the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/UT Police, honoured for facing bullets in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, capturing pirates in perilous waters, and carrying out daring air rescue missions to protect civilians.

Kirti Chakra: A Medal Draped in Blood and Glory! 

The Kirti Chakra is not merely a medal, it is a salute to courage that lives beyond death. 

Colonel Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, 19 Rashtriya Rifles, fell in the line of duty in Anantnag, shielding his men till his last breath. His name, like others honoured posthumously, Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Naik Dilwar Khan, and DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, echoes in the hearts of a grateful nation. 

Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu and Major Manjit were honoured for leading fearless operations where most would hesitate. These recipients walked into danger willingly, upholding the spirit of the Kirti Chakra with unmatched valor.

Shaurya Chakra: Everyday Heroes, Extraordinary Bravery! 

The Shaurya Chakra is awarded not only for gallantry in action but for bravery in moments where the world watches in awe. Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar of the Indian Air Force was one such example, his decision to force-land a failing aircraft in the dead of night, saving a valuable national asset and loss of lives, is the stuff legends are made of. 

Posthumous recipients like Major Aashish Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh stood unflinchingly in harm’s way, their courage casting light even in the darkest of hours. These are the stories that don’t just protect borders, they build the spirit of a fearless India.

The Spirit of the Medal: Honouring the Brave Among Us!

Instituted in 1952, both the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra serve as a national embrace to those who rise above fear, military or civilian. The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizes conspicuous bravery away from battlefields. The Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest, honours acts of selflessness in life-threatening situations. 

These awards are not given, they are earned, through unthinkable choices made in seconds, often at the cost of one's life. They remind us that bravery doesn’t always roar. These medals are a nation’s promise that such sacrifice will never be forgotten.