Gallantry awards

Gallantry awards are conferred to recognise acts of bravery, valour, and distinguished service performed by personnel of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilians in India. These honours symbolise national gratitude for extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, often under conditions of extreme danger. The 2016 Gallantry Awards were conferred on the occasion of Republic Day (26 January 2016) and Independence Day (15 August 2016), acknowledging individuals for their exceptional gallantry in both peacetime and wartime scenarios.

Background and Classification of Gallantry Awards

The gallantry award system in India was established after independence to acknowledge bravery on the battlefield and in civil life. The main wartime and peacetime awards are categorised as follows:
Wartime Gallantry Awards:

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s highest wartime military decoration for most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
• Maha Vir Chakra (MVC): Second-highest wartime gallantry award, for acts of outstanding bravery.
• Vir Chakra (VrC): Third in order, awarded for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards:

• Ashoka Chakra: Highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
• Kirti Chakra: Second-highest peacetime award for conspicuous gallantry.
• Shaurya Chakra: Third in the series, awarded for acts of bravery or self-sacrifice not in the face of the enemy.

These awards may be conferred posthumously and are announced twice annually, on Republic Day and Independence Day.

Gallantry Awards Announced on Republic Day 2016

On the Republic Day of 2016, the President of India approved a total of 365 gallantry and distinguished service awards to personnel of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police. Among these, several were for acts of exceptional courage in counter-insurgency operations and anti-terror missions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-Eastern states.
Notable Awardees (Republic Day 2016):

• Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami (Posthumous), The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces): Conferred the Ashoka Chakra for sacrificing his life during an encounter with terrorists in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. He eliminated two militants and rescued an injured comrade before succumbing to injuries.
• Major David Manlun (Posthumous), Naga Regiment: Recognised for courage in counter-insurgency operations.
• Several officers and jawans from the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police received the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra for valour in anti-terror operations.

Breakdown of Republic Day 2016 Awards:

• 1 Ashoka Chakra
• 4 Kirti Chakras (1 posthumous)
• 11 Shaurya Chakras (2 posthumous)
• 50 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 2 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)

These awards reflected the Indian military’s ongoing engagement in counter-terrorism and border defence operations.

Gallantry Awards Announced on Independence Day 2016

On Independence Day 2016, the President of India approved 948 police, paramilitary, and defence personnel awards, including gallantry decorations for acts of valour. The announcements particularly highlighted operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxal-affected areas.
Notable Awardees (Independence Day 2016):

• Naib Subedar Rajesh Kumar (Posthumous), 18 Madras Regiment: Awarded the Kirti Chakra for gallantry during a counter-infiltration operation in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. He neutralised terrorists despite being severely injured.
• Naik Gosavi Keshavlal Hiru (Posthumous), Rashtriya Rifles: Conferred the Shaurya Chakra for exceptional courage during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Lieutenant Colonel Santosh Mahadik (Posthumous), 41 Rashtriya Rifles: Remembered for his leadership and bravery in counter-insurgency operations.
• Constable Nambirajan A. (Posthumous), CRPF: Honoured with the Shaurya Chakra for his courage in a Naxal encounter in Chhattisgarh.

Distribution of Independence Day 2016 Awards:

• 1 Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
• 14 Shaurya Chakras (4 posthumous)
• 93 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 7 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)

These honours recognised both military and police personnel who displayed exemplary bravery during counter-insurgency operations, maintaining national security and peace.

Significance and Symbolism

Gallantry awards serve as a moral and motivational instrument within the Indian Armed Forces and civil services. They acknowledge supreme acts of courage and inspire younger generations to emulate such heroism. Each medal represents not merely a decoration but also the story of a person who upheld national values at the cost of personal safety.
The 2016 awards particularly underscored India’s ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. The recognition of soldiers from Special Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and paramilitary units illustrated the continued sacrifice of personnel in volatile regions. The inclusion of police gallantry awards further highlighted the contribution of state and central forces in maintaining law and order.