From Param Vir Chakra to Shaurya Chakra: Facts on the 6 gallantry awards of India
Gallantry awards are announced twice a year: on Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15).While many are presented later at the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ashoka Chakra -- and the Param Vir Chakra, when awarded -- are typically conferred by the President during the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path (renamed from Rajpath in 2022).Here are a few facts on the 6 gallantry awards of India arranged according to their level of honour:PARAM VIR CHAKRAIndia's highest wartime decoration for valour, given for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy -- on land, at sea, or in the air.The bronze medal bears four replicas of Indra's Vajra with the State Emblem in the centre.The reverse has 'Param Vir Chakra' in Hindi and English, separated by two lotus flowers. Its ribbon is plain purple.MAHA VIR CHAKRAThe second-highest wartime gallantry award, recognising acts of conspicuous bravery against the enemy.This standard silver medal carries a five-pointed heraldic star with the points touching the rim.The reverse bears the name in Hindi and English, separated by lotus flowers. The ribbon is half white and half saffron.VIR CHAKRAThe third in the wartime gallantry hierarchy, awarded for bravery in the presence of the enemy.The standard silver medal features a five-pointed star with a central Chakra enclosing a gilded State Emblem.The reverse inscription reads 'Vir Chakra' in Hindi and English, separated by lotus flowers.The ribbon is half blue and half saffron.RankMedalCategoryDescriptionMetal & DesignRibbon1Param Vir ChakraWartimeIndia's highest decoration for bravery against the enemyBronze, four Indra's Vajra + State Emblem, reverse inscription in Hindi/EnglishPlain purple2Maha Vir ChakraWartimeSecond-highest wartime gallantry awardStandard silver, five-pointed heraldic star, reversed name + lotus flowersHalf white and half saffron3Vir ChakraWartimeThird-highest wartime gallantry honourStandard silver, five-pointed star + Chakra + gilded State EmblemHalf blue and half saffron4Ashoka ChakraPeacetimeHighest peacetime gallantry awardGold gilt, Ashoka's Chakra motifDark green with central saffron stripe 5Kirti ChakraPeacetimeSecond-highest peacetime gallantry awardStandard silver, Ashoka Chakra motifGreen with two saffron stripes 6Shaurya ChakraPeacetimeThird-highest peacetime gallantry awardBronze, Ashoka Chakra motifGreen with three saffron stripes ASHOKA CHAKRAadvertisementIndia's highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from combat.The gold gilt medal bears a replica of Ashoka's Chakra in the centre.The reverse carries its name in Hindi and English, separated by lotus flowers.The ribbon is dark green with a central saffron stripe.KIRTI CHAKRAThe second-highest peacetime award, given for acts of conspicuous gallantry.This standard silver medal shares the design of the Ashoka Chakra.Its ribbon is green with two saffron stripes.SHAURYA CHAKRAAwarded for gallantry during peacetime, often in counter-insurgency operations or rescue missions.This bronze medal also matches the Ashoka Chakra design. Its ribbon is green with three saffron stripes.- Ends
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