Why in news?
As the nation commemorates Vijay Diwas and honours its war heroes, discussions often centre on the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest military decoration for valour in India. Understanding the history and significance of this medal offers insight into the sacrifices of India’s soldiers.
Background
The Param Vir Chakra was instituted on 26 January 1950 but made effective from 15 August 1947 to recognise acts of extreme bravery during wartime. The award is conferred by the President of India for “most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre‑eminent act of valour or self‑sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy” on land, at sea or in the air. It may be awarded posthumously and is open to all ranks of the Army, Navy, Air Force, reserve forces, militia, nursing services and, in special cases, civilians under military command.
Design and symbolism
- Medal: The PVC is a 35 mm bronze disc. On the obverse it bears four replicas of Indra’s Vajra (thunderbolt) surrounding the State Emblem of India. The design symbolises the mythical weapon crafted from the bones of sage Dadhichi, who sacrificed himself to save the gods. On the reverse are the words “Param Vir Chakra” in Hindi and English separated by lotus flowers.
- Ribbon and bar: The medal hangs from a straight swivelling bar on a plain purple ribbon. Additional acts of valour by the same person are denoted by a bronze bar with a miniature Vajra added to the ribbon.
- Designer: It was designed by Savitri Bai Khanolkar, a Swiss‑born artist who embraced Indian culture. She drew inspiration from the story of Dadhichi and the Indian martial tradition.
Recipients and notable actions
Since independence the Param Vir Chakra has been awarded 21 times, of which fourteen were posthumous. Some notable awardees include:
- Major Somnath Sharma (1947): Commanding a company of the 4th Kumaon Regiment, he defended Badgam in Kashmir against overwhelming odds and was killed in action. His stand stalled the advance on Srinagar during the first Indo‑Pak war.
- Naik Jadunath Singh and Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane (1948): Their gallantry during the same conflict earned them the PVC for repelling attacks and clearing roadblocks under fire.
- Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid (1965): At the Battle of Asal Uttar he destroyed several Pakistani tanks with a recoilless gun before being mortally wounded.
- Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (1999): These four soldiers received the PVC for extraordinary courage during the Kargil War. Captain Batra’s call sign “Yeh Dil Maange More” became a rallying cry for the nation.
Privileges and legacy
- Monetary benefits: Recipients below the rank of lieutenant are entitled to a special lifetime pension, and many state governments grant substantial cash awards. The pension continues to the spouse after the awardee’s death.
- Highest precedence: The PVC ranks above all other wartime gallantry awards. On ceremonial occasions soldiers of all ranks salute a PVC holder, reflecting the nation’s respect.
- National memory: Busts of all PVC recipients are installed at the Param Yodha Sthal of the National War Memorial in Delhi. Educational campaigns and memorial walls across India recount their stories to inspire future generations.
Conclusion
The Param Vir Chakra honours unparalleled bravery and self‑sacrifice. Remembering the deeds of its recipients reinforces the nation’s gratitude towards those who defend its freedom, often at the cost of their lives.
Sources: TH
