1. The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration for acts of valor in the face of the enemy. It is awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
2. The Param Vir Chakra was established on 26th January 1950, the day India became a republic. It replaced the British-era Victoria Cross as the highest military decoration for gallantry in India.
3. The PVC can be awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. It can also be awarded posthumously to recipients who have been killed in action.
4. The design of the Param Vir Chakra consists of a circular bronze medal with a centrally placed Ashoka Chakra, India’s national emblem. The words “Param Vir Chakra” are inscribed in Devanagari script both in Hindi and English.
5. The PVC has been awarded a total of 21 times to date. It has been awarded posthumously in the majority of cases.
6. The first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra was Major Somnath Sharma, who was awarded the honor posthumously for his leadership and bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
7. The PVC has been awarded in various conflicts, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Kargil War of 1999, and counter-insurgency operations.
8. The award carries with it a cash allowance and a pension. Recipients of the Param Vir Chakra are also entitled to a number of privileges and benefits, including preferential allotment of residential plots, preference in admissions to educational institutions, and free medical treatment.
9. The Param Vir Chakra is a rare and prestigious honor. It is estimated that there are around 100 living recipients of the award to date.
10. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded based on the recommendations of the three service chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces. The final decision is made by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
