India’s 79th Independence Day is not just about remembering the past; it has become a moment to honor present-day heroes. In a landmark announcement, the government has conferred 127 gallantry medals and 40 distinguished service awards on officers and soldiers who played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. This year’s Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort will carry a strong military theme, with the logo of Operation Sindoor displayed on flags, floral decorations, and invitation cards, and a Mi-17 helicopter flying a banner commemorating the operation.

What Was Operation Sindoor?

Launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was India’s largest cross-border strike in recent history. The Pahalgam terror attack had claimed 26 innocent lives in India. Operation Sindoor showcased a precise and coordinated tri-services response marked by professionalism and purpose. In just four days of intense hostilities, Indian forces bombed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, destroying hideouts. The Indian Air Force (IAF) struck 13 Pakistani airbases, crippling runways, radars, and command centers. India’s air defence shield, powered by the S-400 missile system and operated by young soldiers including Agniveers, shot down at least five Pakistani combat jets and a large surveillance aircraft.

Bravery Recognised: The Gallantry Awards

The awards, approved by the President on the eve of Independence Day, reflect the courage and sacrifice of soldiers across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces.

Vir Chakra (15 awardees): India’s third-highest wartime honour was awarded to officers and soldiers who directly engaged in Operation Sindoor. Among them were Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, and two posthumous awardees—BSF Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaz and Constable Deepak Chingakham.

Kirti Chakra (4 awardees): Recognising acts of valour in peacetime, including Captain Lalrinawwa Sailo and Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari.

Shaurya Chakra (16 awardees): For gallantry in peacetime operations, often linked to counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu & Kashmir.

Sena Medal (Gallantry – 58 awardees): Awarded for both Operation Sindoor and counter-terror operations. For the first time, two Agniveers received this honour, marking a new chapter in India’s military history.

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry – 26 awardees): All went to IAF personnel who executed precision strikes.

Heroes of the Skies

All Vir Chakra recipients from the IAF were pilots who carried out daring missions deep into enemy territory. They flew into hostile skies, dodged Pakistani missiles, and returned with precise hits on terror camps and military bases. The sons of former IAF chiefs also featured among the awardees. Group Captain Omar Browne, son of Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne (Retd), and Squadron Leader Mihir Vivek Chaudhari, son of former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, were honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). Their recognition shows how military legacy continues through generations. 

Behind the medals lie stories of courage, loss, and sacrifice. Families of the posthumous awardees—Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaz and Constable Deepak Chingakham will receive their Vir Chakras, a bittersweet recognition of the ultimate price their loved ones paid. 

For young Agniveers barely 20 years old, the awards mark their arrival as defenders of the nation. Many of them had just joined service, yet they operated advanced air defence systems with precision, shielding cities like Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Pathankot, and Bathinda from waves of enemy drone and missile attacks. Their bravery  relates with countless Indian parents who see their sons stepping into uniform for the first time.

A Nation’s Salute

As the Independence Day parade unfolds, with floral patterns, banners, and a special Mi-17 flypast honoring Operation Sindoor, millions of Indians will feel a deep sense of pride. The medals conferred are not just decorations on uniforms but symbols of sacrifice and love for the motherland. The bravery of Operation Sindoor’s heroes—officers, young Agniveers, and fallen soldiers—reminds us that freedom comes at a price, and its defence requires the united will of a nation.