Sub-Inspector Ambalika of the Border Security Force’s 101st Battalion was honored with the prestigious GOC Commendation Card for her exceptional bravery during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation along the India-Pakistan border. The award was presented by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, at a ceremony held at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a targeted precision strike by Indian Armed Forces aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation heightened tensions between the two nations, especially after Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement of May 10 by employing drones in cross-border firing. Sub-Inspector Ambalika’s swift and decisive actions were instrumental in countering these threats, demonstrating the high standards of training and discipline maintained by the BSF.
The ceremony also highlighted the critical role played by the BSF in securing India’s borders. With 193 battalions and over 270,000 personnel, the BSF remains the world’s largest border security force. The event acknowledged the force’s historic contributions, from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War to ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
Accompanying the commendation was a Sanskrit verse from the Hitopadesha: “Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani na manorathai,” meaning “tasks are accomplished through effort, not mere wishes.” This maxim underscored the ethos of dedication and action embodied by SI Ambalika and the BSF as a whole.
Lt. Gen. Katiyar, who has vast experience along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control, praised the professionalism and commitment of the BSF. He noted that honoring SI Ambalika highlights the growing role of women in India’s armed forces and serves as an inspiration to future generations of security personnel.
