On 22 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu honored 39 gallantry award recipients during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan, recognizing their extraordinary courage and sacrifice in service to the nation. A total of six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras were conferred upon personnel from the Armed Forces, CAPF, and State/UT Police, with 11 awards given posthumously.
The Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are among India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, awarded for acts of exceptional bravery and selflessness. Notable posthumous recipients of the Kirti Chakra included Rifleman Ravi Kumar, Colonel Manpreet Singh, DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, and Naik Dilwar Khan, all recognized for their valor during counter-terror operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Shaurya Chakra recipients included Major Vijay Verma, Deputy Commandant Vikrant Kumar, and Inspector Jeffrey Hmingchullo among others. Seven Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously, including to Major Aashish Dhonchak and Captain Deepak Singh.
Personnel displayed heroism in counter-terrorism operations, anti-piracy missions, internal security, and disaster management. Highlights included:
- Indian Navy officers like Commodore Sharad Sinsunwal led successful anti-piracy and firefighting operations.
- Indian Air Force officers such as Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane executed life-saving aerial rescues.
- CRPF personnel, including Deputy Commandant Lakhveer and posthumous awardee Constable Pawan Kumar, played crucial roles in anti-Maoist operations.
This ceremony underscored the bravery, professionalism, and dedication of India’s security forces in ensuring national security across land, sea, and air.
