Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards in Indian Army

Soldiers been entitled for the Act of Bravery and Courage during Battles or in Peace Time. These Gallantry awards are awarded by the President Personally. The List of Gallantry awards in Indian Army is as

 

 

Param Vir Chakra (PVC)

 

This is the highest decoration for valour  awarded - for 'the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or per-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy whether on land, at sea or in the air.'

The decoration is made of bronze and is circular in shape. It has, on the obverse, four replicas of 'indra's vajra', embossed round the state emblem in the center. On the reverse, the words 'Param Vir Chakra' are embossed both in Hindi and in English with lotus flower in the middle. The medal is worn on the left breast with a plan purple colored ribbon. When only the ribbon is worn it has miniature replica of the 'Vajra' stitched on it.

The Award carries a monetary allowance of Rs.1500 per month and an equal amount per month for each bar.  

Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)   

 

This is second highest decoration and is awarded for 'an act of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether on land, in sea or in the air.'

It is made of Standard Silver and is circular in shape. Embossed on the obverse is a five pointed star with a domed centerpiece bearing the gilded state emblem in a circle in the center. On the reverse, the words , 'Mahavir Chakra' are embossed both in Hindi and in English with two lotus flowers in the middle. The medal is worn on the left breast with a half white and half saffron ribbon with the saffron stripe nearer to the left shoulder.

It carries a Monitory allowance of Rs.1200 per month and an equal amount per month for each bar.  

Vir Chakra (VrC)

 

This is the third in the order of awards and is given for 'an act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy whether on land, at sea or in the air.' 

The medal is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. Embossed on the obverse is a five pointed star which has an 'Ashoka Chakra' in the center. Within this chakra is a domed centerpiece bearing the gilded state emblem. On the reverse, the Word 'Vir Chakra' are embossed in Hindi and in English with two Lotus Flowers in the middle. The Vir Chakra is Worn on the left breast with a half blue and half saffron ribbon, the saffron stripe being nearest to the left shoulder. 

It  carries monitory allowance of Rs.850 per month and an equal amount per month for each bar.
All members of the armed forces and civilian serving regularly or temporarily under the direction or supervision of any of the services are eligible for any of the three awards.

Ashoka Chakra (AC)

 

This decoration is awarded for the 'most Conspicious bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice on land, at sea or in air.'

The medal is made of gilt gold and is circular in shape. Embossed on the observe is a replica of the Ashoka Chakra surrounded by a wreath of lotuses. Along the edge of the pattern of the lotus leaves, flowers and buds. On the reverse the words 'Ashoka Chakra' are embossed in both Hindi and English with lotus Flower in the intervening space. It is worn on the left breast with a green colored silk ribbon divided into two equal parts by a saffron vertical line.

It carries a monetary allowance of Rs.1400 per month and an equal amount per month for each bar.

Kirti Chakra (KC)

 

The decoration is awarded for 'an act of Conspicuous gallantry '

It is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. The obverse and reverse are exactly the same as in the case of the AC. On the reverse are embossed the words 'Kirti Chakra' both in Hindi and English. The Chakra is worn on the left breast with a green colored Silk ribbon and divided into three parts by two saffron vertical lines.

It carries a monetary allowance of Rs.1050 and an equal amount per month for each bar. 

Shaurya Chakra 

 

This decoration is awarded for 'an act of gallantry'

It is exactly like the other two medals except that it is made up of bronze and the words 'Shaurya Chakra' are embossed on the reverse. The medal is worn on the left breast with a green colored ribbon divided into four parts by three saffron colored ribbons.

It carries a Monetary allowance of Rs. 750 per month and an equal amount per month for each bar.

All citizens of India are eligible for the award of AC, KC and SC.

  
Source: Indian Armed Forces (Lancer Publications)