1. The Vir Chakra is the third-highest gallantry award in India, after the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra.
2. The Vir Chakra was established on 26th January 1950, and it is awarded for acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy during wartime.
3. The award can be given to members of all branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as to civilians who have displayed exceptional bravery.
4. The Vir Chakra is made of bronze and is in the form of a circular disc, with a diameter of 1.375 inches. It has a 5-pointed star in the center and a wreath surrounding it.
5. The words “Vir Chakra” are inscribed in Hindi on the upper edge of the disc, and the recipient’s name is engraved on the lower edge.
6. The Vir Chakra is worn on the left chest, and when multiple awards are received, they are denoted by a bar or a clasp on the ribbon.
7. The Vir Chakra has precedence over other peacetime gallantry awards, such as the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra.
8. The award is granted for acts of bravery that are not of a pre-planned nature, such as engaging in combat against the enemy, showing exceptional courage in a critical situation, or leading a successful counter-attack.
9. The Vir Chakra can be awarded posthumously, and in such cases, it is presented to the next of kin of the recipient.
10. The Vir Chakra has been awarded to individuals for their exceptional valor in various conflicts, including the Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil War of 1999, and counter-insurgency operations.
11. Some notable recipients of the Vir Chakra include Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who was the only Air Force officer to receive the award posthumously during the Indo-Pak War of 1971, and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, who was awarded the Vir Chakra posthumously for his actions during the Kargil War.
12. The Vir Chakra can also be awarded to foreign nationals who have displayed exceptional bravery while serving alongside the Indian Armed Forces.
13. The Vir Chakra is presented by the President of India at a special ceremony held on Republic Day, and the award includes a monetary allowance.
14. Recipients of the Vir Chakra are authorized to use the letters “VC” as a post-nominal abbreviation.
15. The Vir Chakra serves as a symbol of the courage and selflessness displayed by individuals in the face of adversity and is a source of inspiration for future generations.
