Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, an officer of 4 PARA (Special Forces) from Chanmari, Aizawl in Mizoram, has created history by becoming the first Mizo officer to be awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His name was announced in the official list of Independence Day 2025 gallantry awardees approved by the President of India. This rare honour places him among an elite group of soldiers recognised for extraordinary bravery beyond the battlefield.
While specific operational details remain classified, credible reports indicate that his act of courage is linked to the high-risk missions carried out during Operation Sindoor, a coordinated campaign targeting high-value terrorist and military infrastructure earlier this year. His selection for 4 PARA (SF), one of the Indian Army’s most elite and demanding units, came after years of rigorous training and education at RIMC Dehradun, the National Defence Academy, and the Indian Military Academy.

The Kirti Chakra is conferred for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy and stands second only to the Ashoka Chakra in the peacetime gallantry order of precedence. It is awarded to both military personnel and civilians, including posthumously, and represents a level of courage and selflessness that sets the highest example for the nation. In 2025, only four Kirti Chakras were awarded across all services, making this achievement even more significant.
For Mizoram, this award carries profound pride and symbolism. While Subedar Chalhnuna of the Assam Rifles had previously been a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, Captain Sailo becomes the first commissioned officer from the state to earn this decoration. His accomplishment has been widely celebrated across Mizoram, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma praising him as an inspiration for the youth and the state government announcing a ₹10 lakh cash reward in recognition of his service.
Captain Sailo’s recognition also highlights the contribution of soldiers from India’s Northeast in the country’s elite units and underscores the quiet professionalism of the Special Forces, whose operations often remain away from the public eye. His journey, from a young boy in Aizawl to an officer in one of the most feared and respected regiments of the Indian Army, serves as a powerful reminder that bravery and excellence transcend geography.
The Kirti Chakra on his chest is not just a medal it is a symbol of dedication, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of a soldier committed to the nation’s security. His story will inspire generations to come, both in Mizoram and across the country, proving that courage knows no boundaries.