Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-1) on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“Attended the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2025 (Phase-1), where Gallantry Awards were presented. India will always be grateful to our armed forces for their valour and commitment to safeguarding our nation,” PM Modi posted on X.
During the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State/Union Territory Police.
Among the recipients of the Kirti Chakra were Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, Maratha Light Infantry, Major Manjeet, Punjab Regiment, and Rifleman Ravi Kumar of Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (posthumously). Colonel Manpreet Singh, Deputy Superintendent Himayun Bhatt of Jammu & Kashmir Police, and Naik Dilawar Khan of the National Rifles were also awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.
The Shaurya Chakra were awarded to Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) Vijay Verma of Rajput Regiment, Wing Commander Vernon Keen, Squadron Leader Deepak Kumar, Lieutenant Commander Kapil Yadav of the Navy, Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar, CRPF Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo, Major CVS Nikhil of Para Special Forces, Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal, Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans, and Sergeant Sanjay Dahi, among others. Posthumous Shaurya Chakra awards were presented to Major Ashish Dhonchak, Constable Pradeep Singh, Havildar Rohit Kumar, CRPF’s Pawan Kumar, Devan C, Vijayan Kutty G from the Border Roads Organization, and Captain Deepak Singh of the Corps of Signals.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, the Gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard to personal safety in the line of duty.
These bravery awards not only symbolize the exceptional courage of the soldiers but also pay tribute to their supreme sacrifice and commitment to the nation’s security.
(With agency inputs)