Latest news with #GallantryAwards
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Major Rama Gopal Naidu becomes first from Andhra to receive Kirti Chakra for eliminating five terrorists
SRIKAKULAM: Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu, a brave soldier from the Telugu States, has made history by becoming the first person from the telugu States to receive the prestigious Kirti Chakra, the second-highest peacetime gallantry honour. The award recognises Naidu's exceptional courage and bravery in the face of extreme danger. While serving with the Rashtriya Rifles in Jammu and Kashmir, Naidu led a patrolling team along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district. Upon receiving reliable information that five terrorists had intruded into Indian territory, Naidu alerted his team and attempted to apprehend the terrorists. However, the terrorists tried to threaten the jawans, prompting Naidu to swiftly eliminate one terrorist. The remaining terrorists opened rapid fire at the army team, but Naidu continued to engage them, eliminating three more terrorists. Another terrorist, hiding in a cave, opened fire and threw a grenade at the team. Naidu escaped the attack and completed the operation by killing the fifth terrorist. Naidu's heroic actions and selfless dedication to duty have earned him the second-highest recognition, inspiring pride and admiration for the Telugu states. His story serves as a testament to the bravery. The Government of India recognised Naidu's courage, dedication, and intelligence in eliminating the terrorists while protecting his team without any loss of life. Naidu received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at the Gallantry Awards presentation event in New Delhi. Rama Gopal Naidu is one of the four army personnel honoured with the Kirti Chakra award. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu lauded Major Rama Gopal Naidu's courageous act and met him and his family members at Amaravati.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi honours gallantry awardees at Defence Investiture Ceremony in Delhi
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday interacted with gallantry awardees and their families during the Defence Investiture Ceremony - 2025 (Phase-1) held at the Manekshaw Centre in the national capital. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), was also present at the occasion. The event, held a day after the Gallantry Awards presentation at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22, honoured officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and other ranks for acts of courage and dedication in service to the nation. General Dwivedi commended the awardees as exemplary symbols of bravery, stating that their stories of valour will continue to inspire generations to come. In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony held at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, General Upendra Dwivedi presented the 'Badge of Sacrifice' and the 'Certificate of Honour' to the next of kin of Indian Army personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The COAS presented the 'Badge of Sacrifice' and 'Certificate of Honour' to the next of kin of bravehearts---Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, Captain Deepak Singh, Havildar Rohit Kumar, Naik Dilwar Khan, Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Sepoy Pradeep Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat and OEM GDE-1 Vijayan Kutty G (Border Road Organisation). The presentation took place a day after the formal Defence Investiture Ceremony, which was conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22. The awards - a deeply symbolic tribute to valour and supreme sacrifice - were conferred to honour officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and other ranks who were killed in enemy and terrorist action while serving the nation. Instituted in July 1999, the Badge of Sacrifice and Certificate of Honour have since been bestowed upon families of bravehearts from conflicts dating back to 1947. The first official presentation was held on Vijay Diwas, December 16, 1999, marking a significant milestone in the Army's continued commitment to remembering its bravehearts. The 'Badge of Sacrifice' is a 24-carat gold-plated insignia individually engraved with the soldier's Army number, rank, and name. (ANI)
