In a remarkable display of bravery, Captain Lalrinawma Sailo of the Indian Army’s elite 4 PARA (Special Forces) unit has been awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. This honor is particularly significant as Captain Sailo becomes the first Mizo officer to receive this prestigious accolade, marking a historic moment not only for the Indian Special Forces but also for the state of Mizoram.
Captain Sailo, a native of Chanmari in Aizawl, was recognized for his exceptional valor in high-risk operations, which have been linked to the broader inter-service campaign known as Operation Sindoor. Though details of specific operations remain classified, reports suggest that Captain Sailo’s acts of bravery contributed to precision strikes against terrorist and military targets earlier this year. His name was officially included in the list of gallantry award recipients approved by President Droupadi Murmu on August 15, 2025.
The Kirti Chakra is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy” and ranks below the Ashoka Chakra but above the Shaurya Chakra within the peacetime order of precedence. It can be awarded to both military personnel and civilians, even posthumously. With this award, Captain Sailo joins a select group of four Kirti Chakra awardees recognized in 2025, further emphasizing the valor associated with his service.
The recognition of Captain Sailo has sparked significant celebration in Mizoram, with state leaders like Chief Minister Lalduhoma publicly congratulating him. The Mizoram government has announced a cash award of ₹10 lakh in appreciation of his achievements. Local leaders highlighted Captain Sailo as an embodiment of the potential of Mizo youth to excel on a national level, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in service and excellence.
In terms of his background, Captain Sailo’s journey has been marked by academic rigor and military excellence. After completing his education at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun and the National Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy (IMA). His distinguished military career includes being selected for the 4 PARA (SF), one of the most challenging regiments in the Indian Army, where he ranked 27th in the NDA examination.
The broader context of Captain Sailo’s achievement sheds light on the importance of representation and role models from India’s Northeast. As one of the few officers from this region to be honored with a national gallantry award, he helps deepen the representation of Northeastern states within elite military units. This serves as a potent reminder of the courage and professionalism embedded in the ranks of the Indian Special Forces, even when specific operational details are not disclosed to the public.
Captain Sailo’s recognition is not just a personal accolade but a reflection of the enduring tradition of bravery emanating from the Mizo community. While Subedar Chalhnuna from the Assam Rifles previously received the Kirti Chakra, Captain Sailo’s honor as the first Mizo officer to do so reinforces a legacy of gallantry and valor.
Overall, Captain Lalrinawma Sailo’s Kirti Chakra is a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and heroism characteristic of India’s armed forces. As the nation reflects on themes of service and sacrifice, his journey stands as a clarion call for aspiring young individuals from Mizoram and across the country, reaffirming that excellence is driven by purpose rather than geographical boundaries.
