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History of Param Vir Chakra and List of Living Recipients

History of Param Vir Chakra and List of Living Recipients

Overview:
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military honor, awarded for extraordinary bravery in the face of the enemy. Instituted on 26 January 1950, the PVC has been awarded 21 times, with the majority of the recipients being from the Indian Army, and one from the Indian Air Force. The decoration has often been awarded posthumously, with only a few living recipients.

Living Recipients of the Param Vir Chakra:

S.No. Name Rank and Regiment Date & Place of Action Conflict/Battle
1 Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav 18 Grenadiers, Indian Army 4 July 1999, Tiger Hill, Kargil Kargil War
2 Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar 13 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, Indian Army 5 July 1999, Flat Top, Kargil Kargil War
3 Subedar Major Honorary Captain Bana Singh Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Indian Army 23 May 1987, Siachen Glacier, Ladakh Operation Rajiv

Details:

  1. Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav:
    • Awarded PVC for his heroic actions during the Kargil War, particularly in the battle for Tiger Hill on 4 July 1999. Despite severe injuries, he scaled a cliff to neutralize enemy bunkers, paving the way for his platoon to capture the strategic position. He was the youngest PVC recipient and was awarded the honor in 2022.
  2. Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar:
    • Awarded PVC for his gallantry during the Kargil War on 5 July 1999. Leading the charge at Area Flat Top, he single-handedly neutralized enemy bunkers despite being severely wounded, which led to the capture of the position.
  3. Subedar Major Honorary Captain Bana Singh:
    • Awarded PVC for his valor during Operation Rajiv on 23 May 1987, where he led his troops to capture a key post in the Siachen Glacier, now known as Bana Top. His actions helped secure India’s control over the strategically important area.

Significance of the Param Vir Chakra:
The Param Vir Chakra symbolizes supreme sacrifice and valor. Of the 21 recipients, 14 were posthumously awarded, showcasing the ultimate sacrifice made by soldiers for the nation’s safety and honor. The award continues to inspire millions to serve the country with dedication and courage.

Complete List of Param Vir Chakra Recipients:

S.No Name Rank Unit and Regiment Date & Place of Action Battle/Conflict Award Status
1 Major Somnath Sharma

Major 4th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment 3 Nov 1947, Badgam, J&K Battle of Badgam Posthumous
2 Naik Jadunath Singh Naik 1st Battalion, Rajput Regiment 6 Feb 1948, Naushera, J&K Indo-Pakistani War 1947 Posthumous
3 Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane Second Lieutenant Bombay Sappers 8 April 1948, Naushera, J&K Indo-Pakistani War 1947 Awarded
4 Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat Company Havildar Major 6th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles 17 July 1948, Tithwal, J&K Indo-Pakistani War 1947 Posthumous
5 Lance Naik Karam Singh Lance Naik Sikh Regiment 13 Oct 1948, Tithwal, J&K Indo-Pakistani War 1947 Awarded
6 Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria Captain 3/1 Gorkha Rifles 5 Dec 1961, Élisabethville, Katanga, Congo Congo Crisis Posthumous
7 Major Dhan Singh Thapa Major 8 Gorkha Rifles 20 Oct 1962, Ladakh, J&K Sino-Indian War 1962 Awarded
8 Subedar Joginder Singh Subedar 1st Battalion, Sikh Regiment 23 Oct 1962, Tongpen La, NEFA Sino-Indian War 1962 Posthumous
9 Major Shaitan Singh Major 13th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment 18 Nov 1962, Rezang La, J&K Sino-Indian War 1962 Posthumous
10 Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid Company Quarter Master Havildar 4th Battalion, The Grenadiers 10 Sept 1965, Khemkaran, India Battle of Asal Uttar Posthumous
11 Lt. Colonel Ardeshir Buzorji Tarapore Lieutenant Colonel 17th Poona Horse 11 Sept 1965, Phillora, Sialkot, Pakistan Battle of Chawinda Posthumous
12 Lance Naik Albert Ekka Lance Naik 14th Battalion, Brigade of the Guards 3 Dec 1971, Gangasagar, Agartala Battle of Hilli Posthumous
13 Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Flying Officer No. 18 Squadron, Indian Air Force 14 Dec 1971, Srinagar, J&K Indo-Pakistani War 1971 Posthumous
14 2/Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal Second Lieutenant 17 Poona Horse 16 Dec 1971, Barapind-Jarpal, Shakargarh, Pakistan Battle of Basantar Posthumous
15 Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya Major 3rd Battalion, The Grenadiers 17 Dec 1971, Basantar River, Shakargarh, Pakistan Battle of Basantar Awarded
16 Naib Subedar Bana Singh Naib Subedar Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry 23 May 1987, Siachen Glacier, Ladakh Operation Rajiv Awarded
17 Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran Major 8th Battalion, Mahar Regiment 25 Nov 1987, Sri Lanka Operation Pawan Posthumous
18 Lt. Manoj Kumar Pandey Lieutenant 1st Battalion, 11th Gorkha Rifles 3 July 1999, Khaluber /Juber Top, J&K Operation Vijay Posthumous
19 Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav Grenadier 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers 4 July 1999, Tiger Hill, J&K Battle of Tiger Hill Awarded
20 Rifleman Sanjay Kumar Rifleman 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles 5 July 1999, Kargil, J&K Kargil War Awarded
21 Captain Vikram Batra Captain 13th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles 7 July 1999, Kargil, J&K Operation Vijay Posthumous

Final Thoughts: The Param Vir Chakra represents the highest form of courage, commitment, and sacrifice in the Indian military. The stories of bravery behind each award are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for the nation.

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