1. The Kirti Chakra is a prestigious gallantry award in India, presented for exceptional courage and valor in the face of the enemy.
2. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, which is awarded for bravery in wartime.
3. The Kirti Chakra was established on 26 January 1952, and it is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India after the Ashoka Chakra.
4. The award is given to members of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as to civilians who display outstanding bravery.
5. The Kirti Chakra is conferred by the President of India and is announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
6. The award consists of a circular gold medal with a central lotus flower design, surrounded by a wreath and the words “Kirti Chakra” inscribed in Hindi and English.
7. The medal is suspended from a plain purple-colored ribbon with a white stripe in the center.
8. The Kirti Chakra can be awarded posthumously, and in such cases, it is presented to the next of kin of the recipient.
9. The Kirti Chakra has precedence after the Param Vir Chakra but before the Maha Vir Chakra and the Vir Chakra.
10. The award carries a cash grant, which is currently fixed at Rs. 3,00,000 (three lakh rupees).
11. The recipients of the Kirti Chakra are also granted a monthly allowance as a pension for life.
12. The Kirti Chakra is a rare award, and it is only presented in exceptional cases where the act of bravery is considered extraordinary.
13. The Kirti Chakra can be awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, saving lives during disasters, counter-terrorism operations, and other exceptional situations.
14. The Kirti Chakra can also be awarded to civilians for displaying exceptional bravery in difficult circumstances, such as rescuing people from burning buildings or during accidents.
15. Some notable recipients of the Kirti Chakra include Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was awarded posthumously for his bravery during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami, who was awarded posthumously for his actions during counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
16. The Kirti Chakra is not limited to any specific rank or branch of the armed forces and can be awarded to personnel from any service.
17. The Kirti Chakra is considered a highly prestigious award, and its recipients are honored for their exceptional bravery and selfless service to the nation.
18. The Kirti Chakra is announced in the official gazette of the Government of India and is published in the press to recognize and honor the recipient’s gallant acts.
19. The Kirti Chakra is a symbol of national pride and serves as an inspiration to the youth of the country.
20. The Kirti Chakra is a mark of recognition for individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, displaying extraordinary courage and valor in the face of adversity.
