Archive · 15 Aug 2026
President Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards Including 13 Posthumous
A president is the leader of a country, and in India the president is also the head of the armed forces.
President Droupadi Murmu gave out 78 special bravery medals called gallantry awards on the day before India's 80th Independence Day.
These medals are given to soldiers, police officers and other security personnel who showed great courage while doing their duty.
Thirteen of the medals were given to heroes who died while carrying out their duty.
When an award is given after someone has died, it is called a posthumous award.
The medals include the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, and the Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest.
Some of the medals went to police officers who fought terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
The president also approved 89 'Mention-in-Despatches' honours to recognise good service.
It was a way to say thank you to brave people who keep the country safe.
President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous, on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day.
The list includes 9 Kirti Chakras (7 posthumous), 1 Bar to Shaurya Chakra, 19 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumous) and 5 Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry).
It also includes 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including 5 posthumous, 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 5 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Posthumous Kirti Chakras went to Havildar Gajendra Singh, five Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel and Uttar Pradesh Police STF Inspector Sunil Kumar; 89 Mention-in-Despatches were also approved.
Reports differ on minor details, including the first name of one Kirti Chakra recipient (Maneo vs Manoj Francis) and the unit of the Bar-to-Shaurya-Chakra awardee (44 Assam Rifles vs Rajputana Rifles).
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu, who approved the awards for personnel of the Armed Forces/Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces, including Jammu and Kashmir Police and Uttar Pradesh Police personnel.
- What
- Approved 78 Gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, along with 89 Mention-in-Despatches, recognising acts of exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
- When
- On Friday, August 14, 2026, the eve of India's 80th Independence Day.
- Where
- India; the announcement was made from New Delhi.
- Why
- To recognise the courage, sacrifice and distinguished service of personnel who contributed to the nation's security in challenging operational environments.
- Approved by
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Total awards
- 78 Gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous
- Kirti Chakras
- 9, including 7 posthumous (second-highest peacetime gallantry award)
- Shaurya Chakras
- 19, including 1 posthumous, plus 1 Bar to Shaurya Chakra
- Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 36, including 5 posthumous, plus 5 Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- Navy and Air Force medals
- 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 5 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- Mention-in-Despatches
- 89 (75 Army, 4 Navy, 10 Air Force personnel)
- Announcement date
- Friday, August 14, 2026, on the eve of the 80th Independence Day
