Sub-Inspector Ambalika of the Border Security Force’s 101st Battalion has received the esteemed GOC Commendation Card for her extraordinary bravery during Operation Sindoor, a recent military initiative along the India-Pakistan border. The award was bestowed by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, in a formal ceremony at the BSF Academy in Tekanpur.
Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7, 2025, was a strategic strike by Indian Armed Forces aimed at disrupting terrorist operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following Pakistan’s breach of the ceasefire agreement on May 10 through the use of drones in cross-border attacks. Sub-Inspector Ambalika’s rapid and assertive response to these threats played a pivotal role in neutralizing the situation, exemplifying the high standards of training and discipline upheld by the BSF.
The ceremony was also a platform to emphasize the vital role of the BSF in safeguarding India’s borders. With a force comprising 193 battalions and over 270,000 personnel, the BSF is recognized as the largest border security force in the world. This event served to honor the force’s historical contributions, ranging from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
In addition to the commendation, a Sanskrit verse from the Hitopadesha was recited: “Udyamena hi sidhyanti karyani na manorathai,” which translates to “tasks are accomplished through effort, not mere wishes.” This saying encapsulates the spirit of dedication and action that both SI Ambalika and the BSF embody.
Lieutenant General Katiyar, who has extensive experience along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control, commended the professionalism and unwavering commitment of the BSF personnel. He pointed out that recognizing SI Ambalika’s bravery not only celebrates her individual contributions but also highlights the increasing role of women within India’s armed forces, serving as a source of motivation for future generations pursuing careers in security.
