Once I went Allahabad for my SSB interview and in my PI, the interviewing officer asked me “Why you want to join the defence forces?” I replied: “Because I want to win the Param Vir Chakra.” and after that there were lots of counter questions based on PVC which I was not able to answer because I didn’t knew anything about it.
So if you are planning to answer something like that or you are planning to say I am passionate for defence forces that then I would suggest you to do your homework. So I have written this article just to give an insight about the highest military decoration of India. Though don’t forget to read about other medals as well.
Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded in India for displaying the highest degree of bravery and courage in the presence of the enemy whether on Land, Sea or Air i.e. in a war or a conflict. It can be awarded to posthumous soldiers as well as alive soldiers of all the three branches of Indian Military i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force. It is equivalent to Victoria Cross of Britain and it is the second highest award given by Government of India (first is Bharat Ratna).
Design of Param Vir Chakra
The medal symbolizes Rishi Dadhichi, who had donated his bones to the Gods for making Vajra. The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar who was married to an Indian Army officer. The medal is in the shape of a circular bronze disc with a diameter of 1.375 inches (3.49 cm). The national emblem lies in the center on a raised circle.
Four replicas of Indra’s Vajra surround it. The medal is suspended from a straight swiveling suspension bar. It is named on the edge. A purple ribbon, 32 millimeters (1.3 in) long, holds the Param Vir Chakra. On the rear, around a plain center, are two legends separated by lotus flowers. The words Param Vir Chakra are written in Hindi and English.
Recipients Of Param Vir Chakra
- Major Som Nath Sharma (P): 4th Battalion Kumaon Regiment (1947, Kashmir)
- Lance Naik Karam Singh: 1st Battalion Sikh regiment (1947, Kashmir)
- 2nd Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane (P): Corps of Engineers (1948, Kashmir)
- Naik Jadu Nath Singh (P): 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment (1948, Kashmir)
- Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat (P): 6th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles (1948, Kashmir)
- Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (P): 3rd Battalion, 1st Gorkha Rifles/ The Malaun Regiment (1961, Congo)
- Major Dhan Singh Thapa 1st Battalion, 8th Gorkha Rifles (1962, Ladakh)
- Subedar Joginder Singh (P): 1st Battalion, Sikh Regiment (1962, Tongpen La)
- Major Shaitan Singh (P) 13th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment (1962, Rezang La)
- Company Quarter Master HavildarAbdul Hamid (P): 4th Battalion,The Grenadiers (1965, Khemkaran)
- Lieutenant-Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (P): 17th Poona Horse (1965, Phillora)
- Lance Naik Albert Ekka (P): 14th Battalion, Brigade of the Guards (1971, Gangasagar)
- Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (P): No.18 Squadron, Indian Air Force (1971, Srinagar)
- 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (P)17th Poona Horse (1971, Jarpal)
- Major Hoshiar Singh 3rd Battalion, The Grenadiers (1971, Basantar River)
- Naib Subedar Bana Singh 8th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (1987, Siachen Glacier)
- Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran (P) 8th Battalion, Mahar Regiment (1987, Sri Lanka)
- Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (P) 1st Battalion, 11th Gorkha Rifles (1999, Kargil)
- Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers (1999, Kargil)
- Rifleman Sanjay Kumar13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (1999, Kargil)
- Captain Vikram Batra (P) 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (1999, Kargil)
Out of 21 recipients, 20 are from the Indian Army and one from the Indian Air Force. The Grenadiers have received the most number of Param Vir Chakras, with 3 awards. 14 recipients have received it posthumously.
Note:
- (P) means Posthumous i.e. soldier laid down his life for his nation.
- The rank of second lieutenant is no longer used and all new officers are commissioned as lieutenant.
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