On May 22, 2025, President Smt Droupadi Murmu conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumous, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumous, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. These gallantry awards recognized personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police for their raw courage and unparalleled bravery in the line of duty.
Kirti Chakra Awardees
Honouring Supreme Sacrifice
The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was conferred upon six personnel, four posthumously, for their extraordinary acts of bravery. Notable recipients included Major Malla Rama Gopal Naidu (October 26, 2023) and Major Manjit (April 25, 2024) from the Indian Army, and posthumous awardees like Colonel Manpreet Singh (September 13, 2023) and Deputy Superintendent Himayun Muzzammil Bhat (September 13, 2023) from the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Shaurya Chakra Awardees
Recognizing Acts of Valour
The Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest peacetime gallantry award, was awarded to 33 personnel, seven posthumously. Recipients included Major Vijay Verma (October 5, 2022), Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane (July 24, 2023), and Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar (April 2, 2023). Posthumous awardees like Major Aashish Dhonchak (September 13, 2023) and Havildar Rohit Kumar (October 8, 2023) were also honoured for their selfless bravery.
Bravery in Diverse Operations
Counter-Terror and Anti-Piracy Efforts
The awardees displayed exceptional courage in various operations. Indian Army personnel excelled in counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, neutralizing terrorists and recovering arms. Indian Navy officers led anti-piracy operations, rescuing hostages and managing fire-fighting on a burning oil tanker. Indian Air Force personnel demonstrated bravery in life-threatening rescue missions, maneuvering aircraft to avoid civilian casualties. CRPF officers apprehended Maoist insurgents in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism, recovering significant weaponry.
Below is a summary of the gallantry awards conferred:
| Award | Total | Posthumous | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kirti Chakra | 6 | 4 | Indian Army, J&K Police |
| Shaurya Chakra | 33 | 7 | Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, J&K Police, BRO |
Significance of the Ceremony
Saluting Sacrifice and Service
The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 underscores India’s commitment to honouring the bravery and sacrifice of its security personnel. By recognizing acts of total disregard for personal safety, the ceremony inspires future generations to uphold the values of courage and duty in service to the nation.
Key Highlights
- Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-I) held on May 22, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- President Smt Droupadi Murmu conferred six Kirti Chakras (four posthumous) and 33 Shaurya Chakras (seven posthumous).
- Awards recognized personnel from Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, J&K Police, and BRO.
- Bravery displayed in counter-terror, anti-piracy, and rescue operations across J&K, North-East, and Left-Wing Extremism areas.
- Honoured acts included neutralizing terrorists, rescuing hostages, and protecting civilian lives.
- Ceremony reflects India’s commitment to celebrating courage and sacrifice.