As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the Union Home Ministry has recognized the bravery and dedication of 1,037 individuals from the police, fire services, home guards, civil defence and correctional services. These personnel will be awarded gallantry and service medals in acknowledgement of their exceptional contributions to public safety and security.
Among these honours, the prestigious President's Medal for Gallantry (PMG) and the Medal for Gallantry stand out. These awards are given to those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, often at great personal risk in saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime or apprehending criminals. The acts of bravery recognized by these medals are evaluated based on the risks undertaken and the responsibilities of the officers involved.
One such heroic act that has been highlighted by the Ministry of Home Affairs is that of Chaduvu Yadaiah, a Head Constable with the Telangana Police. On July 25, 2022, Yadaiah exhibited exceptional courage during a robbery incident. The very next day, on July 26, the Cyberabad Police arrested two criminals, Ishan Niranjan Neelamnalli and Rahul, who were involved in chain-snatching and arms dealing. During the arrest, these individuals launched a brutal attack on Head Constable Yadaiah by stabbing him multiple times in the chest, back, left hand and stomach.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Yadaiah demonstrated remarkable resilience. He managed to restrain the attackers by ensuring their capture. His actions were crucial in bringing the criminals to justice and as a result, he spent 17 days in the hospital recovering from his injuries. His bravery under such life-threatening circumstances has earned him the President's Medal for Gallantry.
This Independence Day, the nation will honour the courage and commitment of many such brave individuals whose selfless actions serve as an inspiration to all.
Recognizing Bravery and Distinguished Service in Indian Security Forces
In a recent display of national recognition, a significant number of Gallantry Medals (GM) have been awarded to honour the bravery of police and security personnel across the country. Of the 213 Gallantry Medals conferred, a vast majority of 208 were awarded to police officers who have shown exceptional courage in the line of duty. These medals are distributed across various states and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) by reflecting the widespread bravery within our nation's security apparatus.
Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Police received 31 Gallantry Medals by highlighting their continued efforts in one of the most challenging regions in the country. Other notable mentions include 17 medals each for personnel from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, 15 for Chhattisgarh and 12 for Madhya Pradesh. Jharkhand, Punjab, and Telangana each saw 7 of their officers honoured. Among the Central Armed Police Forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stood out with 52 medals by recognizing their crucial role in maintaining internal security. Other forces such as the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) also had several of their brave members recognized.
In addition to the police forces, a few medals were also awarded to fire services and other emergency personnel. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Delhi Fire Service received 3 Gallantry Medals, the Jharkhand Fire Service received 1 and the Uttar Pradesh Home Guards & Civil Defence (HG&CD) received 1.
The Gallantry Medals are not the only awards recognizing the dedication and service of our security personnel. The President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) also acknowledge those who have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and resourcefulness. Out of 94 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, 75 were awarded to the police force by reflecting the enduring dedication of these officers. Fire services, civil defence and correctional services also had their share of distinguished personnel with 8 awards each going to fire services and civil defence and 3 to correctional services.
Furthermore, the Medal for Meritorious Service saw a large number of recipients this year with 729 medals awarded overall. The police service again led with 624 medals, underscoring the significant contributions of these officers. Fire services and civil defense each received 47 medals while correctional services received 11, recognizing their valuable and devoted service.
This broad distribution of awards across various services highlights the comprehensive effort of India's security forces to maintain peace and order which is often at great personal risk. The recognition of their bravery and distinguished service is a reminder of the critical role these individuals play in the safety and security of our nation.
Beyond the Battlefield: A Tapestry of Courage
Indian bravery is not confined to traditional battlefields and it stretches across various landscapes, capturing the essence of courage in many forms. This bravery is not just witnessed in wars but also the silent strength of soldiers standing guard at the remote Himalayan borders, the quick actions of disaster relief teams facing natural calamities and the unyielding commitment of medical personnel working in conflict zones. We are filled with admiration as we recall the stories of these heroes :
- Captain Vikram Batra: His famous declaration, "Yeh Dil Maange More!" during the Kargil War became a rallying cry for an entire nation. His fearless leadership and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire generations. We see reflections of his courage in those around us, such as classmates who take on leadership roles not with arrogance but with a deep desire to serve and motivate others.
- The ITBP Warriors: Enduring severe blizzards and navigating dangerous terrains at altitudes surpassing 18,000 feet while protecting isolated outposts like the Siachen Base Camp, they exemplify human endurance at its peak. Their stories inspire us to challenge our own physical and mental limits during demanding school treks and adventure programs by teaching us the importance of unwavering determination.
- Major Shakuntala Devi: Known as the "Nightingale of Kargil," she courageously treated wounded soldiers amidst enemy fire by working in makeshift operating rooms. Her compassion in the face of danger serves as a beacon of hope in the chaos of war. Major Devi’s selflessness motivates our students to engage in community service projects by recognizing that bravery can also be found in caring for others.
These narratives of valour extend beyond the battlefield, influencing and shaping the lives of those who hear them, instilling a deeper understanding of courage in all its forms.
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