On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, significant recognition has been bestowed upon 982 personnel from various sectors, including police forces, fire services, home guards, civil defence organisations, and correctional services. This announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasises acts of bravery, exceptional service, and invaluable contributions made by these individuals in maintaining law and order throughout the country.
The awards are divided into three principal categories: the Medal for Gallantry (GM), which acknowledges heroic actions; the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), honouring exceptional service records; and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), recognising dedicated contributions to public safety. The allocation of these medals includes 125 GMs, 101 PSMs, and a whopping 756 MSMs. Notably, among the gallantry medals, 121 have been awarded to police personnel while fire service members received four, highlighting the dangers faced by those in high-stress environments.
A notable aspect of this recognition is the focus on personnel operating in the Jammu and Kashmir region, with 45 gallantry awards presented for operations in this challenging area. In addition, 35 awards are designated for those managing Left Wing Extremism-affected regions, 40 for other states, and five for the North-East. The Jammu and Kashmir Police emerged as the frontrunners, receiving the most GMs, followed closely by the Maharashtra Police, Uttar Pradesh Police, Delhi Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force.
Among the notable recipients, two posthumous awards were given to Maharashtra’s Police Constables, Sudhakar Bitaji Veladi and Kare Irpa Atram, for their ultimate sacrifices in anti-Naxal operations. Among active personnel, Ms. Tanushree, an IPS officer from Jammu and Kashmir, received her first Bar to the GM, while Constable Safeer Lone was awarded his third Bar to the GM, recognising their repeated courage in the line of duty. Additionally, personnel from Karnataka and Rajasthan were acknowledged for their life-saving efforts in hazardous conditions within the fire services.
The categories of PSM and MSM feature distinguished service from high-ranking officers; for example, Shri Ravi Manohara Karamcheti Tirumala Chary, Assistant Superintendent of Police from Andhra Pradesh, and Dr. Mohd Haseeb Mughal, Deputy Inspector General from Jammu and Kashmir, are highlighted for their exceptional leadership and long-term commitment to public service.
Southern India also saw commendable representation, particularly from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Telangana secured a total of 15 police service medals (1 GM, 2 PSMs, 12 MSMs) alongside additional commendations in fire services, home guards, civil defence, and correctional services. Marri Venkat Reddy, a Head Constable from Telangana, was recognised with the sole GM from the state for outstanding bravery. In Andhra Pradesh, the police services garnered 16 medals (1 PSM, 15 MSMs) as well as three MSMs in correctional services, with the PSM awarded to Shri Ravi Manohara Karamcheti Tirumala Chary.
The dedication of these personnel reflects not only individual excellence but also underscores the enduring commitment of India’s security forces to national integrity and public welfare. The medals will be officially presented during Republic Day ceremonies, symbolising the sacrifices and professionalism inherent in the nation’s internal security framework.
