Celebrating 100 Days of Operation Sindoor on Independence Day

Independence Day Celebrations and Military Honors

This year, the Independence Day celebrations will also mark the completion of 100 days of Operation Sindoor. To honor the achievements of the armed forces, the Red Fort will be adorned with decorations themed around the operation. Large logos representing Operation Sindoor have been displayed on the monument's walls. On the eve of the 79th Independence Day, India recognized the valor of armed forces personnel and the senior military officials involved in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.

Nine Indian Air Force pilots, who executed precise strikes on terrorist infrastructures and military establishments in Pakistan, will be awarded the Vir Chakra, the third highest wartime gallantry award after the Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra. Additionally, one pilot has been nominated for the Shaurya Chakra.

Recognition for Air Force Personnel

The pilots involved in the attacks on terrorist bases and military facilities in Pakistan, as well as those operating the S-400 air defense system, will also receive prestigious awards for their significant roles during the conflict between the two nations from May 7 to 10. A total of 20 pilots and six other air force personnel have been nominated for the Air Force Medal.

Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Air Marshal Avadhesh Kumar Bharti, Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai, and Lieutenant General Prateek Sharma are among the top military officials set to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor and Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, leading the South Western Air Command and Western Air Command respectively, will also be honored with this medal.

Awards for Naval Officers

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, who played a crucial role in deploying naval resources following the Pahalgam attack as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, has also been nominated for the Distinguished Service Medal. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who was instrumental in finalizing the naval deployment strategy post-attack, will receive the Distinguished Service Medal as well.

A notable name among the awardees is Air Marshal Avadhesh Kumar Bharti, who played a vital role during Operation Sindoor as the Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) before being appointed as the Vice Chief of Air Staff. The Vir Chakra recipients include Group Captain Ranjit Singh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, and Kunal Kalra.

Comprehensive List of Awards

Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, Rizwan Malik, and Flight Lieutenant A.S. Thakur are also among those honored with the Vir Chakra. The sole recipient of the Shaurya Chakra is Wing Commander Abhimanyu Singh. In total, the Indian Air Force personnel have received four Distinguished Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, nine Vir Chakras, one Shaurya Chakra, 13 Service Medals, 26 Air Force Medals, and 162 mentions-in-dispatch.

Group Captain Umar Brown, an Air Force Medal winner, is the son of former Air Chief NAK Brown. Another Air Force Medal recipient, Squadron Leader Mihir Vivek Chaudhary, is the son of former Air Chief V.R. Chaudhary. On the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards for armed forces and central armed police personnel, including four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, and 16 Shaurya Chakras.

Honoring Gallantry and Service

The awards also include seven Distinguished Service Medals, nine Meritorious Service Medals, and 24 Service Medals. The President has also approved 290 mentions-in-dispatch, with 115 from the Indian Army, five from the Indian Navy, and 167 from the Indian Air Force. The mention-in-dispatch is an honor awarded to personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly those who have demonstrated exceptional bravery or commendable service.