Param Vir Chakra Medal Commemoration

Historically, exceptional warrior exploits have been acknowledged by monarchs and governments through promotions, titles, property, pensions, and other tokens of esteem. In modern times, these recognitions take the form of prestigious and rare gallantry medals such as England’s “Victoria Cross,” the USA’s “Medal of Honor,” the USSR’s “Order of Lenin,” and India’s “Param Vir Chakra.”

Soldiers of all nations voluntarily accept hardship, risk, injury, and death as inherent aspects of their profession, considering courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice as fundamental duties. However, in battle, there are moments when ordinary bravery and the routine call of duty are insufficient to change the course of events or to avoid defeat. Such moments demand and inspire acts of extraordinary valor and sacrifice, surpassing normal human limits.

When India gained independence in 1947, its armed forces were tasked with defending the nation against Pakistani invaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian soldiers rose to the challenge, displaying remarkable valor, courage, endurance, and self-sacrifice. In recognition of these supreme sacrifices, the Government of India instituted new gallantry awards, the highest of which is the Param Vir Chakra. This prestigious award is personally presented by the President of India for conspicuous bravery, daring acts, or preeminent valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea, or in the air.

The first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra was the late Major Som Nath Sharma of the Kumaon Regiment, who displayed supreme bravery while leading his men against Pakistani forces near Badgam in Kashmir in November 1947. The standards for this award are so high and exacting that only fifteen Param Vir Chakras have been awarded in the last twenty-nine years, with eleven of them being awarded posthumously. These awards recognize a spectrum of deeds, from unexpected courage and devotion to duty to exploits of unparalleled boldness and ultimate sacrifice.

The nation is deeply indebted to this select group of Param Vir Chakra recipients, who have set a stellar example for the youth of the country in terms of daring, devotion to duty, courage, and sacrifice. The medal itself is made of bronze and circular in shape, featuring four replicas of Indra’s Vajra embossed around the state emblem at the center. The reverse side of the medal bears the words “Param Vir Chakra” in both Hindi and English, with two lotus flowers between the inscriptions. The medal is worn on the left breast, suspended from a plain purple-colored ribbon. Recipients and their families are also granted a monthly allowance, lump-sum grants, and land.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is honored to issue a commemorative stamp in recognition of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest gallantry award.