By South Matters National Desk | Defence
President Droupadi Murmu honoured 51 brave personnel with the Gallantry Awards 2026 during the Defence Investiture Ceremony Phase-1 held in New Delhi.
The awards recognized exceptional courage displayed by members of the armed forces, police services, and maritime security units during counter-terror operations, border missions, and challenging rescue and maritime expeditions.
Nation Honours Extraordinary Courage
The ceremony featured the presentation of prestigious awards, including the Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
Recipients earned recognition for displaying outstanding bravery while protecting the nation under difficult and often life-threatening conditions.
In addition, several awards were presented posthumously to personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Emotional Moments Mark Ceremony
Some of the most moving moments came when family members of fallen heroes received awards on behalf of their loved ones.
The families of Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar and Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari accepted posthumous honours during the event.
President Murmu personally interacted with family members and offered words of comfort, creating emotional scenes that resonated across the ceremony.
Women Officers Among Standout Awardees
Several women officers also received recognition for their achievements.
Lieutenant Commander Roopa A earned praise for successfully completing the challenging Drake Passage voyage.
Meanwhile, MARCOS officer Lieutenant Commander Suraj Parashar received recognition for his role in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi Praises Award Winners
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all award recipients and praised their courage, dedication, and commitment to national service.
He stated that the bravery shown by the awardees serves as an inspiration for future generations and reflects the highest traditions of India’s security forces.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony once again highlighted the sacrifices made by personnel who continue to safeguard the nation’s security.