In a proud moment for the Armed Forces, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu has approved 58 Mentioned-in-Despatches for service personnel of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force on the eve of the 76th Republic Day. These accolades, which include four posthumous awards, recognize distinguished and meritorious acts of service during various operations undertaken by the Armed Forces.

The breakdown of the 58 Mentioned-in-Despatches is as follows:

• 55 awards to the Indian Army
  • 14 for Operation Rakshak (4 posthumous)
  • 8 for Operation Snow Leopard
  • 6 for Operation Hifazat
  • 2 for Operation Sahayata
  • 1 for Operation Rhino
  • 1 for Operation Meghdoot
  • 2 for Operation Gurihaajan
  • 1 for Operation Mulkhyama
  • 1 for Operation Reconnaissance
  • 1 for Operation Zokhawthar
  • 1 for Operation Falcon
  • 4 for Operation CAS Evacuation
  • 1 for IS Duty
  • 12 for Miscellaneous Operations
• 3 awards to the Indian Air Force for Operation Sankalp

The Mentioned-in-Despatches distinction is conferred upon personnel whose service exhibits a high degree of dedication and valor. The President’s formal approval of these recognitions serves to honor their commitment and bravery, often performed under challenging and hostile circumstances. Below is the detailed list of recipients, categorized by the specific operations in which they served:

Indian Army

Operation Rakshak

1. IC-77240X Maj Veer Vikram Kaswan, 13 SIKH LI
2. JC-433383L Sub Parshotam Kumr, 31 PUNJAB
3. 15343306F Hav Praveen Kumar Singh, 61 ENGR REGT
4. 13627975H Hav Lankesh, 9 PARA (SF)
5. 40910029 Hav Keshav Singh, 9 PARA (SF)
6. 15585106W L/Hav Ranjit Nalawade, 120 ENGR REGT
7. 15584406L Nk Aher Ramdas Ganghdhar, 120 ENGR REGT
8. 16117671X Nk Sujith S, 13 ENGR REGT
9. 23001956A Nk Dokkari Rajesh, AAD, 10 RR (Posthumous)
10. 3021407M Sep Ajay Kumar Singh, RAJPUT, 10 RR (Posthumous)
11. 3021506P Sep Bijendra, RAJPUT, 10 RR (Posthumous)
12. 16128540M Spr Purshotham Yadav, ENGRS, 1 RR
13. 5254911H Rfn Nishal Hingmang, 3 GR, 32 RR
14. 81B1 Army Dog Phantom, RVC, 9 PARA (SF) (Posthumous)

Operation Snow Leopard

1. SS-49175M Maj Mahale Ankur Vinayak, 671 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
2. JC-414417Y Sub Puspendra Singh, 12 PARA (SF)
3. JC-533019F Sub Binod Singh, 4 GARH RIF
4. JC-414983Y Nb Sub Dheeraj Mani Saklani, 12 PARA (SF)
5. JC-636149K Nb Sub Tshering Thendup Bhutia, 11 GR, 1 SIKKIM SCOUTS
6. 13629724X Nk Altaf Hussain, PARA, 31 RR
7. 13630564P Nk Jagde Kumar, 12 PARA (SF)
8. 9427874Y Nk Milan Limboo, 12 PARA (SF)

Operation Hifazat

1. IC-80396A Maj Ritesh Sen, ARTY, 40 ASSAM RIF
2. IC-80667M Maj Saurabh Srivastava, 5 SIKH
3. IC-82343A Maj Akash Mishra, SIKH LI, 8 ASSAM RIF
4. SS-48839H Maj Dhruv Dagar, ARMD, 4 ASSAM RIF
5. 19001011K Hav Pawandeep Singh, 5 SIKH
6. 4594035N Sep Sirsat Tejas Yashawant, 2 MAHAR

Operation Sahayata

1. IC-84031H Maj Himanshu Deopa, 5/9 GR
2. 5852956F Hav Subhash Poudel, 5/9 GR

Operation Rhino

1. IC-81896K Maj Amit Mishra, ARTY, 23 ASSAM RIF

Operation Meghdoot

1. 09851-N Lt Pranoy Roy, Indian Navy, 666 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)

Operation Gurihaajan

1. 4198986P Hav Nawjeet Singh Chauhan, KUMAON, 13 RR
2. 20014399H Ptr Sukhvinder Singh, PARA, 13 RR

Operation Mulkhyama

1. IC-81017L Maj Prathyush P, NAGA, 13 RR

Operation Reconnaissance

1. IC-82851W Maj Anirban Kalita, ARTY, 23 (I) R&O FLT

Operation Zokhawthar

1. G/2851919Y Hav T Meren Konyak, 42 ASSAM RIF

Operation Falcon

1. IC-83309M Maj Sanxep Bhardwaj, PUNJAB, 667 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)

Operation CAS Evacuation

1. 09431-H Lt Cdr Dhruv Sharma, Indian Navy, 671 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)
2. IC-64488H Lt Col Bijender Singh Ahlawat, 201 ARMY AVN SQN (UH)
3. IC-71926H Lt Col Changda Riyaz, 201 ARMY AVN SQN (UH)
4. IC-77593X Maj Devesh Sharma, 659 ARMY AVN SQN (R&O)

IS Duty

1. 15447536F Nk Mahesh Manoharan, AMC, 20 JAT

Miscellaneous Operations

1. IC-70696N Lt Col Praveen Nair, 627 EME BN
2. IC-74852K Lt Col Rahul Ramrao Shinde, 301 ARMY AVN SQN (SPL OPS)
3. SL-05416F Maj Ram Shankar Choudhary, 617 EME BN
4. 17006846W Hmt Shailendra Singh Rajput, 617 EME BN
5. 14662214M Hav Badgujar Sandip Hiralal, EME, 39(I) R&O FLT
6. 15823213N Hav Santosh Kumar, 16 FAD
7. 5352320X Hav Dilli Ram Gurung, 11 GR, 1 SIKKIM SCOUTS
8. 15596834W Spr Jaspal Singh, ENGRS, 113 RCC (GREF)
9. 5053274F Rfn Sanjeep Yonghang, 2/1 GR
10. 5053332A Rfn Surendra Budha Magar, 2/1 GR
11. 9428060M Rfn Jigmee Lachenpa, 11 GR, 1 SIKKIM SCOUTS
12. 15585307P OEM Mutkure Mhesh Santosh, EMGRS, 93 RR (GREF)

Indian Air Force

Operation Sankalp

1. Squadron Leader Loverpreet Singh (35208) Flying (Pilot)
2. Master Warrant Officer Bhuwanesh Chandra Dwivedi (767425) Flight Gunner
3. Sergeant Saurabh Singh (915136) Flight Gunner

These Mentioned-in-Despatches pay tribute to the professionalism and valor of the recipients, who exemplify the highest standards of service in safeguarding the nation’s interests. From counter-insurgency and rescue missions to specialized operations in challenging terrains, each awardee has demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication, and commitment to duty.

The Government and the people of India extend their congratulations to all the awardees, including the families of the posthumous recipients, for their invaluable contributions to national security and the honor they bring to the Armed Forces.

On the eve of the 76th Republic Day, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 93 Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel. These include 11 posthumous honors. The distribution of awards is as follows:

• Kirti Chakra: 2 (1 posthumous)
• Shaurya Chakra: 14 (3 posthumous)
• Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry): 1
• Sena Medal (Gallantry): 66 (7 posthumous)
• Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry): 2
• Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry): 8

In addition, the President approved 305 defence decorations, including 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, and 43 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), among others.

Below is the full list of the 93 gallantry award recipients:

Gallantry Awards Winners Table

Highlights

• Kirti Chakra Recipients: Recognized for their supreme acts of valor, including Major Manjit and Naik Dilwar Khan (posthumous).
• Shaurya Chakra Recipients: Includes personnel from the Army, Air Force, and CRPF, acknowledging exceptional bravery and selflessness.
• Sena Medals (Gallantry): Majority of awardees honored under this category for their courage during operations.

For a full list, including all Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal awardees, refer to the detailed table or official notifications.

Conclusion

The gallantry awardees reflect the exceptional valor and dedication of our Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel. Their contributions ensure the nation’s security and uphold its sovereignty.

As the nation comes together to celebrate Republic Day 2025, a day that symbolizes India’s unity, democracy, and sovereignty, the Indian Armed Forces uphold the time-honored tradition of awarding Honorary Ranks to recognize exemplary service, dedication, and contributions in various fields. These prestigious titles of Honorary Captain and Honorary Lieutenant are conferred on individuals who have displayed outstanding commitment to the nation and its defense forces.

The Honorary Commission is a cherished acknowledgment that bridges the gap between extraordinary service and formal recognition, reflecting the deep respect and admiration the country holds for these individuals. This year’s Honorary Ranks List has been officially released, and it celebrates the exceptional individuals who have been conferred these distinguished titles as part of the Republic Day 2025 honors.

TO BE HONORARY CAPTAIN (ON ACTIVE LIST)

The President is pleased to award honorary commission to the rank of Honorary Captain/Lieutenant on the eve of Republic Day 2025 to the under mentioned Honorary Lieutenants/JCOs on active list under Para 177 of Regulation for the Army 1987, with effect from 26 January 2025 subject to the individual not being under any disciplinary action and satisfactory continued performance.

TO BE NAIB RISALDAR/SUBEDAR (ON RETIREMENT)

The President is pleased to grant honorary rank of Naib Risaldar/Subedar to the under mentioned NCOs on the eve of Republic Day 2025 under Para 180 of the Regulation for the Army 1987, with effect from the dates shown against their names.

TO BE HONORARY CAPTAIN (ON RETIREMENT)

The President is pleased to grant honorary ranks to the under mentioned Honorary Lieutenants and JCOs on the eve of Republic Day 2025 on retirement under Para 179 of the Regulation for the Army 1987, with effect from the dates shown against their names:-

The Significance of Honorary Ranks

The Honorary Ranks of Captain and Lieutenant are traditionally granted to Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other deserving personnel from the Indian Army in recognition of their exceptional service, leadership, and contribution to the military and society. These ranks serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work demonstrated by the honorees.

Each year, these honorary titles are awarded during India’s national celebrations, including Republic Day and Independence Day, as a tribute to the spirit of service that defines the Indian Armed Forces.

Honoring the Spirit of Service

This initiative reflects the core values of the Indian Army and its commitment to recognizing the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond in the line of duty. The Honorary Commission stands as an inspiration for future generations to uphold the values of patriotism, dedication, and integrity.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients of Honorary Ranks this Republic Day 2025 and express our gratitude for their selfless service to the nation.

Stay tuned for updates and the full list of honorees as announced by the Indian Army.