Decorations in Indian Army

I don’t have to remind you about the date of our Independence. Britishers had various Gallantry awards. Viz Victoria Cross, Order of British Empire, Distinguished Service Order, Order of British Empire, Military Cross etc. They were conferred to the Armed Forces Personnel who have demonstrated courage of exemplary order while discharging their duty not only in recognition but also motivating the rest of the Armed Forces. On attaining Independence, India also needed such awards of recognition.

The India has three types of Bravery recognition popularly known as decorations in the Armed Forces. War time Gallantry awards, Peace time Gallantry awards, distinguished Service awards. Wartime Gallantry Awards in the order of precedence are 1. Param-Vir-Chakra, 2. Maha-Vie-Chakra, 3. Vir-Chakea, 4. Sena Medal Gallantry and 5. Mention,-in-Despatches. These are awarded to all the three services Armed Forces for demonstration of courage of various order during the war. The highest of the award being Param-Vir-Chakra and other are numbered accordingly.

The peace Gallantry awards are 1. Ashok Chakra, 2. Kirti Chakra, 3. Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal. The difference is these awards are conferred on Civilians too. One such example is Neerja Bhanot who was an air hostesses on the Panam fflight 73 which was hijacked from Karachi Airport while on a stop over on 05 September 1986. She would have attained 23 two days from the ill fated day was shot while helping the passengers through emergency exit of the Aircraft.

Distinguished Service medals awarded for those Armed Forces Personnel who had served exemplary while in serves which has rested in financial savings, development of new methods of work teaching etc. They are 1. Param Visisht Seva Medal (PVSM), 2. Anti Visisht Seva Medal and 3. Visisht Seva Medal. Also there are few more decorations awarded for demonstration of leadership war planning etc. They are 1. Sarvotam Yudh Seva Medal, 2. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal and 3. Yudh Seva Medal.