Param Vir Chakra & Gallantry Awards

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Static GK: Param Vir Chakra & Gallantry Awards
Read in Hindi / हिंदी में पढ़ें:

Param Vir Chakra: The Ultimate Symbol of Bravery

📅 Date: 18 December 2025 (Thursday)

Param Vir Chakra

When it comes to the Indian Armed Forces, there is no honour higher than the Param Vir Chakra. Today, we dive into the history, design, and hierarchy of India's gallantry awards. This is a crucial topic for Static GK.

1. What is the Param Vir Chakra?

The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration. It is awarded for displaying the most exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war.

  • Meaning: Literally translates to ‘Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave’.
  • Institution: Introduced on January 26, 1950 (First Republic Day), but with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947.
  • Eligibility: Officers, men, and women of all ranks (Army, Navy, Air Force, Reserve Forces, Territorial Army).
🏅 Key Statistic:
Till now, only 21 people have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Out of these, 14 were awarded posthumously.

First Winner: Major Somnath Sharma (Kumaon Regiment).

2. Design and Global Equivalents

The medal is not just a piece of metal; it is steeped in history and symbolism.

  • Designer: Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.
  • Material: Cast in bronze and circular in shape.
  • Symbolism: In the center is the State Emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, flanked by the Sword of Shivaji.

Global Comparison: The PVC is equivalent to:

  • The Victoria Cross (UK)
  • The Medal of Honor (USA)
  • The Legion of Honor (France)
  • The Cross of St. George (Russia)

3. Hierarchy of Gallantry Awards

Gallantry awards are announced twice a year (Republic Day and Independence Day). Here is the correct Order of Precedence:

  1. Param Vir Chakra (Highest Wartime Honour)
  2. Ashoka Chakra (Highest Peacetime Honour)
  3. Mahavir Chakra
  4. Kirti Chakra
  5. Vir Chakra
  6. Shaurya Chakra

The Ceremony

  • Standard Practice: The President awards these to the recipients (or next of kin) at the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
  • The Exception: The Param Vir Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra are conferred by the President publicly during the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath (Kartavya Path).

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the literal meaning of Param Vir Chakra?
Ans: It means “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.”

Q2: Can the Param Vir Chakra be awarded posthumously?
Ans: Yes, it is often awarded posthumously (14 out of 21 times so far).

Q3: Who designed the medal?
Ans: Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.

Q4: When was it instituted?
Ans: It was introduced on January 26, 1950, but made effective from August 15, 1947.

Study Tip: Always remember the first recipient (Major Somnath Sharma) and the designer (Savitri Khanolkar) as these are favorite questions in competitive exams.

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