Page 37 - NIS English 1-15 July, 2026

Gallantry Awards | NATION

Honouring Valour...

The internal and external security of the nation against terrorists and insurgents is
guaranteed due to the unparalleled valour, indomitable courage, and extraordinary
leadership of our soldiers, Central Armed Forces personnel, and police officers.
President Droupadi Murmu honoured 51 such heroes at the Defence Investiture
Ceremony-2026 (Phase-I), held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 2026. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi also attended the ceremony and expressed pride in their indomitable
courage, dedication to duty, and selfless service to the nation.

resident Droupadi Murmu pre-
sented awards to heroes from Lance Naik
Pthe Defence Forces, Central Meenatchi Sundaram
Armed Police Forces, and State/ A, Kirti Chakra
Union Territory police forces, includ-
ing 7 Kirti Chakras (2 posthumous), Lance Naik Meenatchi
15 Vir Chakras (3 posthumous), and Sundaram A of the Regiment
29 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumous). of Artillery eliminated a
terrorist in Kulgam despite
A glimpse at the stories of their sustaining severe injuries.
courage and bravery.

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair,
Flying Pilot, Kirti Chakra

Selected as one of the four ‘Gaganyatris’ (astronauts) for India’s maiden
human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, demonstrated an unwavering
resolve to contribute to the nation’s progress. He was awarded the
Kirti Chakra for this indomitable courage and valour. Group Captain
Prasanth also served as a standby mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission.
He underwent training with various national and international space
agencies, demonstrating exceptional physical endurance, mental fortitude,
and concentration. During preparations for the Axiom-4 mission,
he displayed the willpower to face unknown dangers and maintained
composure in high-risk situations.

Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)
Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Army Service Corps (Sikkim Scouts) was
leading a patrol team in the high-altitude terrain of North Sikkim. During the
patrol, a member of the team, Agniveer Stephen Subba, lost his balance and
slipped into a river. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari
jumped into the river and managed to bring Subba to the bank. While the
Agniveer’s life was saved, Tiwari could not secure a hold for himself due to the
strong current; he succumbed to severe injuries sustained from striking rocks
while rescuing his subordinate. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously
for his extraordinary valour, selflessness, and unwavering fortitude.

Naib Subedar Displaying great presence of mind and
Doleshwar Subba, bravery in the rugged and desolate forest
Kirti Chakra terrain of Kishtwar district, he eliminated
two terrorists in a single operation.
Scan the QR code to watch the
ceremony where President Droupadi
Murmu presented the gallantry awards. July 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 35