President Droupadi Murmu Confers Six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025

On May 22, 2025, the President bestowed Kirti Chakras four times posthumously and Shaurya Chakras seven posthumously, upon men and women serving in the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/UT police at Rashtrapati Bhawan during the Defence Investiture Ceremony. These awards are given to recognize those who have shown excellent bravery and sacrifice during operations against terrorism and insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. They also honor acts of courage by Navy personnel in anti-piracy work, saves by Air Force men in rescue operations, and anti-extremist initiatives by the CRPF.

Context:

President Murmu formally recognized 39 military officers for showing exceptional bravery during efforts against terrorism, insurgency, piracy and extremism. The awards prove India’s determination to honor those brave enough to protect the nation.

Details:

1. Kirti Chakra: 6 conferred, 4 posthumously.

Awarded mainly for demonstrating great courage while fighting in counter-terror/ counter-insurgency conflicts

2. Shaurya Chakra Awards: 33 awarded, 7 posthumously.

Courage was displayed against terrorism, while fighting on oil tankers, during rescue missions, and anti-Left-Wing Extremist efforts.

Posthumous Shaurya Chakra Awardees

Posthumous Kirti Chakra Awardees

3. Brave Behavior by Women

• Terrorists have been neutralized and arrested in J&K and the Northeast.

• The Navy conducts anti-piracy missions and has rescued hostages and battled fires while doing so.

• During emergencies, Air Force pilots controlled their planes to keep away from civilians.

• In places where Maoists operate, CRPF personnel carried out missions, detained insurgents and seized weapons.

About Gallantry Awards

• Before independence, there were no gallantry awards. 

• These awards were announced on 26th January 1950 and granted from 15th August 1947.

  • Param Vir Chakra, 

  • Maha Vir Chakra, and 

  • Vir Chakra

• Three more awards were created in 1952: 

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-I, 

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and 

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-III, rooted on 15th August 1947.

• In January 1967, these Ashoka Chakra classes were renamed:

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-I → Ashoka Chakra

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-II → Kirti Chakra

  • Ashoka Chakra Class-III → Shaurya Chakra

• The following is the order in which gallantry awards are given:

  • Param Vir Chakra

  • Ashoka Chakra

  • Maha Vir Chakra

  • Kirti Chakra

  • Vir Chakra

  • Shaurya Chakra

• Twice a year, awards are announced on Republic Day and Independence Day.

What is Kirti Chakra?

• Kirti Chakra is awarded to soldiers during peace time in much the same way as Maha Vir Chakra is awarded in time of war.

• Received for striking courage, remarkable devotion, and self-sacrifice outside of the fight.

• Who Can Receive: Civilians, service members, and even those who have died may be honored.

• Medal: Circular with a lotus flower pictured on the front, surrounded by a chakra. It is held by a green ribbon with two orange stripes, both vertical.

What is Shayura Chakra?

• People are given the Shaurya Chakra for risking their lives by acting with great bravery and facing danger, not in direct fighting with the adversary.

• Defines the essence of bravery, valor and dutifulness while the nation is not at war.

• Living and deceased civilians, as well as active duty and retired military, can receive the award.

• The medal is circular, bronze and features the national Ashoka Chakra in the center, surrounded by a wreath of lotuses and is attached to a green ribbon with three vertical stripes.

Conclusion:

By carrying out the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-I), the country reveals how grateful it is for the great heroism of its armed and police personnel. India shows respect for these outstanding people to support courage and encourage sacrifice in keeping the nation secure and peaceful in difficult settings.

SSC Practice Question

Q1. The gallantry award Kirti Chakra is equivalent to which wartime award?
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Maha Vir Chakra
C. Vir Chakra
D. Ashoka Chakra

UPSC Practice Question

Q1. With reference to the Kirti Chakra, consider the following statements:

• It is awarded for gallantry during peacetime.
• Both military personnel and civilians are eligible for the award.
• It ranks higher than the Ashoka Chakra in the order of precedence.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3