President Droupadi Murmu presented the Shaurya Chakra to Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil of the 21st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award recognizes his outstanding courage and leadership during a high-risk counter-insurgency operation along the India-Myanmar border.
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The operation, conducted on November 23, 2022, saw then-Major Nikhil lead a covert mission deep into militant-dominated jungle terrain. According to official records, he infiltrated hostile territory under the cover of night and faced heavy enemy fire. Displaying exceptional tactical skill, he led an assault that eliminated two high-priority insurgents, significantly disrupting militant operations in the region and ensuring the safety of his team.
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The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, established in 1952 and renamed in 1967. It is awarded for acts of extraordinary bravery away from direct combat and includes a monthly stipend granted by the central government since 1999.
Lt. Col. Nikhil’s unit, 21 Para (Special Forces), has a distinguished record within the Indian Army. Formerly the 21 Maratha Light Infantry, the battalion was re-designated as a Special Forces unit in 1996. It has participated in numerous high-profile operations, including Operation Hot Pursuit in 2015, where it successfully targeted insurgent camps along the India-Myanmar border.
The 21 Para (SF) is known for its counter-insurgency and special reconnaissance operations in hostile environments. The battalion has earned several prestigious citations, including multiple Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Citations.
Lt. Col. CVS Nikhil’s recognition highlights the Indian Army’s focus on cultivating fearless leadership and precision operations in unconventional warfare scenarios. The award ceremony was attended by senior military officials, dignitaries, and families of awardees, celebrating the bravery and dedication of India’s elite forces.
