About this stamp
Gallantry Award Winners of the Indian Armed Forces
After Independence, the Indian Armed Forces assumed the vital responsibility of defending the nation against external aggression. From the earliest conflicts, Indian soldiers displayed unmatched courage, endurance, and self-sacrifice. To honor such bravery, the Government of India instituted prestigious gallantry awards, the highest being the Param Vir Chakra.
Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla MVC
Mahendra Nath Mulla commanded INS Khukri during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. When the ship was struck by enemy torpedoes off the coast of Diu, he calmly ordered evacuation and ensured the safety of his crew, even giving away his own life-saving gear. Choosing to stay with his sinking ship, he made the supreme sacrifice and was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh PVC
Karam Singh displayed exceptional courage during the 1948 operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite being wounded and facing heavy enemy fire at Richmar Gali, he motivated his men and led a successful counterattack, preventing the enemy from capturing the strategic Tithwal sector. He became the first living recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC
Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon of the Indian Air Force showed unmatched bravery during the 1971 war. Taking off under enemy attack at Srinagar Air Base, he engaged multiple enemy aircraft in a six-to-one aerial combat, shooting down two before making the ultimate sacrifice. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Lance Naik Albert Ekka PVC
Albert Ekka played a decisive role in the Battle of Gangasagar during the 1971 war. Facing intense enemy fire, he charged enemy bunkers and neutralized key positions, ensuring mission success. He later succumbed to his injuries and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid PVC
Abdul Hamid displayed extraordinary bravery during the 1965 Indo-Pak War in the Khem Karan sector. Using a recoilless gun mounted on a jeep, he destroyed multiple enemy Patton tanks, significantly weakening the enemy assault. He laid down his life in battle and was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
Commemoration
To honor these brave heroes, a special se-tenant set of five commemorative postage stamps was issued as part of the “50 Years of the Republic of India: Gallantry Award Winners” series. This tribute recognizes the unparalleled courage, sacrifice, and dedication of India’s armed forces personnel who safeguarded the nation with their lives.
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