In a proud moment for the Indian Armed Forces, five exceptional personnel were conferred with the MacGregor Memorial Medal for their remarkable contributions in military reconnaissance, exploration, and adventure. The prestigious awards for the years 2023 and 2024 were presented at a solemn ceremony held at the United Service Institution (USI) of India, graced by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
The 2023 awardees included:
- Wing Commander D Panda, Indian Air Force
- EA (Retd.) Rahul Kumar Pandey, Indian Navy
The 2024 recipients were:
- CHEAA (Retd.) Ram Ratan Jat, Indian Navy
- Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia, Indian Air Force
In addition, Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal, Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), was also selected for the 2024 award. Currently part of an expedition to Mount Kanchenjunga, Col Jamwal was unable to attend the ceremony in person.
About the MacGregor Memorial Medal
Instituted on July 3, 1888, the MacGregor Memorial Medal commemorates Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, KCB, CSI, CIE—the founder of the United Service Institution of India. Initially awarded for military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys, the medal’s scope was expanded in 1986 to include broader military expeditions and adventure activities. It is open to all ranks, serving and retired, from the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles.
To date, 127 medals have been awarded—103 before independence and 24 thereafter. Notable past recipients include:
- Captain FE Younghusband (1890)
- Major General Orde Charles Wingate (1943)
- Major ZC Bakshi, VrC (1949)
- Colonel Narinder Kumar for Siachen Glacier exploration (1978–81)
- Commander Dilip Donde and Lt Cdr Abhilash Tomy for solo circumnavigations of the globe
Book Launch: Bravest of the Brave
The event also saw the launch of a book titled Bravest of the Brave—a moving biography of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal, AC, VrC, SM. The book was released by the CDS and authored by Lt Gen Satish Dua (Retd), former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC). It captures the personal journey and heroic legacy of one of India’s most decorated soldiers and serves as a tribute to the unflinching courage of Indian soldiers.
A Legacy of Bravery and Exploration
Speaking at the ceremony, General Anil Chauhan lauded the awardees and emphasized the enduring spirit of adventure, reconnaissance, and valour that defines the Indian Armed Forces. He praised the recipients for their dedication and encouraged the armed forces community to continue pursuing excellence and courage in service to the nation.
The MacGregor Memorial Medal continues to be a beacon of inspiration, encouraging soldiers to take on extraordinary challenges and uphold India’s rich legacy of military heroism and exploration.
