President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumously, on personnel of the armed forces for displaying exceptional courage, outstanding bravery and complete disregard for personal safety in the line of duty.
Among the awardees was Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, an Indian Air Force pilot and Gaganyatri, who received the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
During the first phase of the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President also presented 15 Vir Chakras, including three posthumously, and 29 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumously, to personnel of the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state and Union Territory police forces.
The awards recognise acts of extraordinary bravery and devotion to duty performed under challenging and hazardous conditions.
