President Murmu Honors 70 Heroes with Gallantry Awards on Republic Day; Ashoka Chakra for ISS Mission

January 25, 2026
President Murmu Honors 70 Heroes with Gallantry Awards on Republic Day; Ashoka Chakra for ISS Mission
  • Shaurya Chakra was awarded to 13 recipients, including a posthumous award for L/DFR Baldev Chand, covering personnel from the Army, Navy, Para (Special Forces) and related units.

  • Nao Sena Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Commander Nardeep Singh, Commander Rajeshwar Kumar Sharma, and other officers, while the Vayu Sena Medal for Gallantry went to Wing Commander Shobhit Vyas and Junior Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Salaria.

  • A total of 70 gallantry awards were approved by the President on the eve of Republic Day, spanning the Army, Navy, Air Force and security services, with six of the recognitions awarded posthumously.

  • The awards underscore bravery across multiple operations and theatres, with a strong representation from Special Forces and counter-insurgency units.

  • President Droupadi Murmu announced the Republic Day 2026 gallantry list, highlighting awards across diverse theatres and emphasizing notable posthumous recognitions.

  • The announcement also lists a broader set of 301 military decorations, detailing Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, Yudh Seva Medals and Vishisht Seva Medals, with counts provided.

  • The full article includes a complete named list of recipients with ranks, names, service numbers, units, and posthumous status, and references an official PDF listing.

  • Notable individual recognitions include Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s Ashoka Chakra and several high-profile gallantry awards across branches, reflecting cross-service acknowledgment.

  • Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, was conferred on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his ISS mission achievement, marking him as the first Indian to visit the ISS during Axiom-4 and the second Indian in space.

Summary based on 3 sources


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