Param Vir Chakra

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has recently unveiled portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees. This exhibition replaces the previous display of 96 British Aide-de-Camps (ADCs). The move reflects a renewed focus on honoring the exceptional bravery and sacrifice of India's war heroes.

About the Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded in India for acts of exceptional valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war.

Key Details:

• Introduced: January 26, 1950 (on India's first Republic Day), with retrospective effect from August 15, 1947 (the day India gained independence).

• Meaning: "Param Vir Chakra" literally translates to "Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave".

• Award Criteria: It can be awarded to officers, men, and women from all branches of the Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Air Force, and other lawfully constituted forces.

• Posthumous Awards: The decoration can be awarded posthumously, and many of the recipients have received it after sacrificing their lives for the nation.

Design of the Param Vir Chakra

The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar. It features:

• Material: Cast in bronze.

• Shape: Circular.

• Front: A raised circle in the center bearing the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra and flanked by the sword of Shivaji.

• Reverse Side: The words "Param Vir Chakra" are embossed in both Hindi and English, with two lotus flowers placed between the texts.

• Suspension: It is suspended from a straight swiveling suspension bar, and the ribbon is 32 mm wide and purple.

Historical Background

• First Winner: The first Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Major Somnath Sharma of the Kumaon Regiment for his bravery during the Battle of Badgam in 1947.

• Total Awardees: To date, there have been 21 recipients of the PVC, out of which 14 have been awarded posthumously.

Gallantry Awards in India

India's Gallantry Awards are given to honor acts of bravery and sacrifice. These awards are announced twice a year, on Republic Day and Independence Day. They can be awarded posthumously.

Order of Precedence of Gallantry Awards:

1. Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

2. Ashoka Chakra

3. Mahavir Chakra

4. Kirti Chakra

5. Vir Chakra

6. Shaurya Chakra

The President of India presents these awards to the recipients or their next of kin at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held annually at Rashtrapati Bhavan. However, the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra are conferred by the President during the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath.

Significance of the Recent Exhibition

The installation of the portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees at Rashtrapati Bhavan is a significant tribute to the valour and sacrifice of India's military heroes. This exhibition highlights the bravery of these awardees and serves as a constant reminder of their contribution to the nation.

Conclusion

The Param Vir Chakra is not just a military decoration, but a symbol of ultimate courage, representing the highest acts of heroism and self-sacrifice in times of war. The recent display of portraits at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a fitting tribute to the valor of the 21 recipients, ensuring that their legacies are remembered and celebrated by future generations