Prez will honour armed forces’ heroes on I-Day!

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has approved 112 gallantry awards including five Kirti Chakras to be given on the occasion of India’s 71st Independence Day. In his addressing speech on the eve of Independence Day, President said that the citizens must take inspiration from those who sacrifice their lives for the nation. He added that not just our soldiers are doing their duty sincerely, but are also showing a high degree of selflessness! The Kirti Chakra is the second highest military award given for exemplary bravery and sacrifice. The Shaurya Chakra is the third highest award in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards. Sena, Nao Sena and Vayu Sena medals are awarded for extraordinary devotion towards duty and courage. 'Mention in Dispatches' is given for needful services and courage which isn’t of high order so as to be awarded a gallantry award. The five Kirti Chakra recipients are Major Preetam Singh Kunwar (Garhwal Rifles), Havildar Giris Gurung (Posthumous, Gorkha Rifles), Major David Manlun (Naga Regiment), CRPF commandant Chetan Kumar Cheeta and CRPF commandant Pramod Kumar (Posthumous). Also 17 Shaurya Chakras, 85 Sena Medals, three Nao Sena Medals, two Vayu Sena Medals and 40 “Mention-in-Despatches” to the army and air personnel will be given awarded. Many of these award winners lost their lives while some got brutally injured setting a perfect example of valour and courage with their selfless love and devotion for the nation!