Gallantry Awards
Defence Minister’s Customary Broadcast to the Armed Forces
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE 1815 HRS ON AUGUST 14, 2015
Following is the text of the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar’s customary broadcast to the Armed Forces personnel over All India Radio on the eve of the 69th Independence Day:
“My Dear Jawans,
We shall be celebrating our 69th Independence Day tomorrow. On this occasion, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to each one of you serving in the Armed Forces, be it the Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard. I also extend my greetings to all veterans and ex-servicemen and their family members.
As I speak to you, my thoughts are with the near and dear ones of all those who laid down their lives for the protection of our nation. You are performing the task of protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as also defending the motherland from the destructive designs of anti-national forces.
The whole nation was in full admiration of your daring operation against the insurgents which you undertook very creditably along the Indo-Myanmar border. I compliment the Special Forces for undertaking this surgical strike smoothly and without any casualty on our side. You have also successfully and effectively repulsed all ceasefire violations in Jammu & Kashmir from across the border and attempts of terrorists to infiltrate into the country.
You have also been in the forefront of massive relief and rescue operations, both in India and outside. Be it providing succour to the flood victims in Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, North-East, and more recently, to the victims of devastating earthquake in neighbouring Nepal or evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen. As friendly neighbours, our armed forces were also the first to respond to the drinking water crisis in Maldives when its desalination plants shut down.
My dear Jawans, since I took over the reins of Defence Ministry in November last year, it has been my constant endeavour to work towards the welfare and well-being of serving and Ex-Servicemen. Various welfare measures pertaining to pension including broadbanding, ex-gratia compensation and OROP are receiving highest priority of the Government.
I am also concerned about the huge number of cases on service matters pending in different courts of the country including different benches of Armed Forces Tribunals. I personally feel that redressal of your grievances should be expeditiously looked into, so that you give full concentration to your duties. We have recently formed a high level panel to suggest necessary steps to lessen the number of such cases in courts. Once its recommendations are received, we will take corrective measures.
Pension related issues constitute the biggest number of grievances. As you know, a system of holding Pension Adalat is in place to provide a credible forum for redressal of grievances of the defence pensioners. A computerized pension enquiry project “Suvigya” has been developed by the Controller General of Defence Accounts. It is an online pension enquiry system which would enable the ex-servicemen to know their entitlements of pensions. I am happy to inform you that the number of complaints regarding incorrect payment or incorrect revision of pension have come down substantially.
Considering the hardships and agony of long separations of Jawans from their families when serving in forward and high altitude areas, we are working on the Married Accommodation Project to provide nearly 2.7 lakh dwelling units for the married personnel near their places of posting.
The government has also taken a big step towards making the Indian Army a digitised force. In line with the Digital India Project of the Prime Minister, a special software system ARPAN or Army Record Officers Process Automation has been launched recently. This will enable more than 12 lakh junior commissioned officers and Jawans of Indian Army to access their service records and employment details online even as the records of the officers of the force are already on the web.
The government is well aware of the need to maintain all round vigil on the nation’s borders, to prevent any misadventure from across the borders. Therefore, keeping our war machinery in readiness and to be able to mobilise troops to forward positions at short notice is imperative. At the same time, there is the need to constantly upgrade and modernise the weapon systems and equipment. We have taken a number of steps to equip our forces with the best of the arms currently available and are constantly striving to make most of them indigenously. Since taking over, our government has so far sanctioned acquisition proposals worth over 1,60,000 crore rupees.
Over eight hundred 155mm mounted artillery guns for the Indian Army worth nearly 16 thousand crore rupees are also being acquired and more ammunition purchased to enhance the fire-power.
Recently, the indigenously designed, developed and produced Akash Air Defence missile system was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force. The contract negotiations are also underway for procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft from France, to provide a major boost to the IAF’s operational capability.
The recent undocking of India’s indigenous aircraft carrier in the making, INS Vikrant and the first of Scorpene submarines are important landmarks of our endeavour to build a Blur Water Navy. Commissioning of a number of marine police stations, naval bases including INS Sardar Patel and establishment of a new Coast Guard Air Enclave at Bhubaneswar will strengthen the coastal security of the country.
The government is taking measures to equip the Navy with the state-of-the-art warships, submarines and naval helicopters.
I also congratulate the scientists and technologists of DRDO and other defence related establishments for their good work in equipping our Armed Forces with the latest state-of-the-art weapons and equipment, developed and produced indigenously.
With these words, I once again extend my greetings to all of you and your family members on the eve of Independence Day. Let us take a pledge on this festival of freedom to defend and serve our motherland with all our might and to the best of our abilities, for a better and brighter future.
Jai Hind!
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Gallantry Awards (Navy)
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ BROADCASTED
BEFORE 2359 HOURS 14 AUGUST 2015
SHAURYA CHAKRA
FOR BRAVERY AND COURAGE WHILE EVACUATING INDIAN & FOREIGN
NATIONALS DURING ‘OPS RAHAT’ FROM YEMEN
CDR MILIND MOHAN MOKASHI (04755-F)
Cdr Mohan Milind Mokashi, Commanding Officer INS Sumitra, while carrying out Anti-Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden, on 31 Mar 15 received a directive to proceed for ‘Operation Rahat’ to evacuate thousands of Indian and Foreign nationals, from the war- ravaged Yemen.
On receiving the Op Directive, Cdr Mokashi immediately took stock of the challenging situation and proceeded to Aden Harbour. While entering Aden Harbour on the night of 31 Mar 15, he observed heavily armed Houthi rebels patrolling harbour in boats and also stationed on jetty. Additionally, he also observed occurrence of fierce fighting and air strikes by Saudi led coalition. To ensure safety of hundreds of innocent Indian evacuees comprising ladies, children and elderly persons, the officer immediately deployed armed boats manned by sailors in close proximity of the ship and also created a cordon of the ship’s Quick Reaction Team (MARCOS) around the evacuees, to neutralise any incoming threat. In display of resolute courage he personally lead from front in the prevailing challenging situation and positioned himself at the embarkation point, so as to take positive control of the safety boats and quick reaction teams. Braving the heavy firing and shelling, the officer took charge of the situation and ensured safe embarkation of Indian and Foreign evacuees amid heavy cross firing. The officer also ensured that during the entire operation the ship remained in the highest state of readiness with ship’s weapon systems manned to counter any eventuality.
While executing embarkation of evacuees in darkness with continuous occurrence of bombing, shelling and small arms fire, the officer faced a tense situation wherein few Houthi rebels suddenly approached evacuee cordon. The officer in the face of active hostility used mix of deterrence, diplomacy, and tact to diffuse the explosive situation and ensured safe evacuation of the stranded Indians and Foreign nationals. His brave efforts resulted in successful evacuation of 1621 evacuees, during five different operations, which he undertook from the Port of Aden, Port Ash Shihr and Port Al Hodeidah. The officer’s inspirational leadership during fog of war ensured that no untoward incident took place in the war zone which could have spiralled into adverse international ramifications.
Cdr Milind Mohan Mokashi, thus displayed, unparalleled valour, conspicuous gallantry, bold and daring decisive actions beyond the call of duty, under heavy firing and shelling at war ravaged Yemen, which resulted in the successful evacuation of 1621 Indian and foreign evacuees. For this conspicuous act of personal bravery Cdr Milid Mohan Mokashi, has been awarded of Shaurya Chakra.
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
CAPTAIN RAJESH DHANKHAR (03587-A)
On 30 Mar 15, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar, Commanding Officer INS Mumbai, was tasked to undertake mass evacuation of Indian nationals from war-torn Yemen as part of ‘Ops Rahat’.The officer in the face of hostility, violence, fierce fighting in the Port of Aden, undertook most daring execution of operations, leading to the safe evacuation of 441 Indians and foreign nationals.
On arriving off Aden, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar received reports of heavy shelling in the Port area, with warships also coming under fire. On receiving this specific input, the officer positioned the ship’s Force Protection Team in boats and on jetty to provide necessary fire cover to the evacuees. He ensured that all exit / entry routes to the evacuee enclosure on the jetty were strategically plugged so as to ensure their safety from any threat. Undeterred by the prevailing security scenario ashore, amidst heavy bombing, shelling and small arms fire, the officer led his team from the front and continued his efforts to evacuate stranded personnel even during dark hours. He showed utter disregard to his personal safety and displayed raw courage during entire evacuation operation which was fraught with danger and risk due to continuous bombarding and firing.
While evacuation operation was in last phase of completion, it was brought to the notice of the Officer that number Indian Nationals were still stranded at the jetty entrance awaiting assistance. Caring little for the inherent dangers in evacuation during dark hours, that too at an unknown location, he acted swiftly, reached the location in cover of darkness and laid an effective cordon of the ship’s Quick Reaction Team around the stranded personnel. His brave effort resulted in successful evacuation of 262 Indians and 179 foreign nationals under extreme hostile conditions.
Captain Rajesh Dhankhar (03587-A), displayed dauntless courage, most conspicuous gallantry, bold and daring actions under most challenging circumstances, wherein, he successfully accomplished evacuation from the combat zone of Yemen and brought laurels to the nation. For his rare tactical skills, unmatched professional acumen and conspicuous bravery at the face of grave danger, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar (03587-A), has been awarded Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
CAPTAIN PRADEEP SINGH (03702-N)
Captain Pradeep Singh has been in command of INS Tarkash since 21 Jan 15. When the ship was deployed for Op Rahat in Apr 15, the officer played a sheet anchor role in the meticulous planning and a most daring execution of operations leading to the safe evacuation of around 600 civilians of 18 different nationalities from AI Hodeidah and Aden harbours in the face of hostility and the back drop of violence and fighting ashore, in the port and on the jetty. Mindful of the poor security situation and always wanting to be in a position to exit the combat zone, the officer decided neither to go alongside, nor anchor the ship and instead remained underway and maintained constant movement, stopping only to embark civilians from boats.
Apart from evacuating the above mentioned people, the officer improvised the available information and resources and evacuated the body of the first Indian casualty in Yemen conflict in a make shift coffin. The officer also evacuated 10 nurses who were stuck in heavy cross firing, directing them to the safer, though farther little Aden oil terminal jetty and using local boats to bring them onboard. The evacuation operation was fraught with extreme danger and risk due to continuous bombarding and firing near the port area.
The officer calmly faced a tense situation when encountered with 2-3 boats with AK-47 armed Yemenese closing the ship. The officer directed both the armed RIBs to intercept these armed boats, conveyed relevant RoE to the OI/C in each boat and brought to bear greater force on to these armed boats. Thereafter with a mix of diplomacy, deterrence, tact, force and hope the potentially explosive situation was defused and the armed boats were made to return to harbour. In the face of opposition and active hostility, the officer led the troops from the front being physically present at the evacuation point.
He ensured a very robust Force Protection Measures organisation onboard judiciously using all assets onboard including utilising both the RIBs, VBSS team, sniper and Prahar. The very effective baggage screening organisation onboard resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 magazines with 56 rounds, several empty cartridges and knives from the baggage of embarked evacuees.
In the face of these threats, the officer displayed extreme tenacity, bravery and courage to rally his men to achieve a feat, which the Navy is proud of. His maturity, composure in the face of rebel activities and valour have been vital to the mission’s success and have boosted the country’s and the Indian Navy’s image. For this conspicuous act of personal bravery in leading his ship’s teams in an exemplary manner under fire in the combat zone off Yemen, Captain Pradeep Singh has been awarded Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
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Gallantry and Other Decorations for Coast Guard Personnel
On the occasion of Independence Day, the President of India has awarded one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and seven Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel for displaying conspicuous acts of gallantry. The President has also awarded one PTM for distinguished service and two TMs for meritorious services to Indian Coast Guard personnel. The detailed list of the awardees are as follows:-
PRESIDENT’S TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
· Commandant Chandra Shekhar Joshi, TM (0510-J)
TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
· Commandant Sandeep Safaya (0440-X)
· Commandant Abhay Maruti Ambetkar (0485-C)
· Commandant Kanwaljit Singh (0506-X)
· Commandant Satish Bisht (0546-P)
· Ami Chand, Uttam Adhikari (RP), 02787-P
· Bikash Bagchi, Adhikari (ME), 03225-L
· Madan Lal, Pradhan Navik (STD), 05308-R
PRESIDENT’S TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (DISTINGUISHED SERVICE)
· DIG Raj Mani Sharma, TM (0018-P)
TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (MERITORIOUS SERVICE)
· DIG Kandambakkam Ramani Suresh (0166-C)
· DIG Manoj Vasant Baadkar (0173-Q)
These awards are being given to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard on Republic Day and Independence Day every year, since 26 Jan 1990 onwards.
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Gallantry Awards on 15 August 2015
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ BROADCASTED
BEFORE 0001 HOURS 15 AUGUST 2015
Summary of awards of army personnel on the occasion of 69th Independence Day are appended below:-
Ser
|
Award
|
No’s
|
Remarks
|
1.
|
Kirti Chakra
|
02
|
Including 01 posthumously
|
2.
|
Shaurya Chakra
|
05
|
Including 02 posthumously
|
3.
|
Sena Medal (Gallantry)
|
50
|
Including 05 posthumously
|
4.
|
Mention in Despatches
|
20
|
-
|
The following lists / documents are also attached :-
a) List of awardees.
b) Photographs of Kirti Chakra & Shaurya Chakra awardees.
Col Rohan Anand,SM
PRO (Army)
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Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE 0000 HRS ON AUGUST 14/15, 2015
The President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has approved 67 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces Personnel and members of Paramilitary Forces which include two Kirti Chakras, 10 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 49 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Sl. No.
|
RANK AND NAME
|
Service
|
KIRTI CHAKRA
| ||
1.
|
IC-61357M LIEUTENANT COLONEL NECTAR SANJENBAM, SHAURYA CHAKRA
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
|
2.
|
JC-571195H NB SUB RAJESH KUMAR, MAHAR, 30 RR, (POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
|
SHAURYA CHAKRA
| ||
1.
|
IC-55822X COL MUNINDRA NATH RAI, YSM, GORKHA RIF, 42 RR (POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
|
2.
|
IC-69288W MAJ TANUJ GROVER, ARMD, 22 RR
|
ARMY
|
3.
|
IC-73653K CAPT VARUN KUMAR SINGH, RAJPUT, 44 RR
|
ARMY
|
4.
|
G/144175X HAV MAN BAHADUR CHHETRI, 44, ASSAM RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
|
5.
|
9421485H HAVILDAR TANKA KUMAR LIMBU
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
|
6.
|
CDR MILIND MOHAN MOKASHI (04755-F)
|
NAVY
|
7.
|
WING COMMANDER SANDEEP SINGH (25336) FLYING (PILOT)
|
AIR FORCE
|
8.
|
LATE MOHD SHAFI SHEIKH HEAD CONSTABLE J&K POLICE,
DISTT HANDWARA (POSTHUMOUS)
|
MHA
|
9.
|
LATE SHRI REYAZ AHMAD LONE CONSTABLE (307/H (EXK – 055949)
J&K POLICE, DISTT HANDWARA (POSTHUMOUS)
|
MHA
|
10.
|
LATE SHRI HIRA KUMAR JHA SECOND-IN-COMMAND
7 BN, CRPF (POSTHUMOUS)
|
MHA
|
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
| ||
1.
|
IC-73414P MAJ RAKESH RADHAKRISHNAN, SM, MADRAS, 26 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
|
SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
| ||
AR-276W SHRI JASMER SINGH MALIK, DY COMDT, 27 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
IC-63648L MAJ BHARAT ARUN, MAHAR, 1 RR
|
ARMY
| |
IC-63910H MAJ MANISH DAHIYA, 2 RAJPUT
|
ARMY
| |
IC-66140M MAJ MANEESH MISHRA, GORKHA RIF, 1 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
IC-67031M MAJ RAVINDRA SHANTARAM KOKANE, ASC, 44 RR
|
ARMY
| |
IC-67210M MAJ PRATUL DAVID SINGH, ARTY, 31 FD REGT
|
ARMY
| |
IC-67893L MAJ SIDDHARTH RAO, 3 PARA (SF)
|
ARMY
| |
IC-67972A MAJ RANVIJAY SINGH PATHANIA, ARMD, 22 RR
|
ARMY
| |
IC-68093Y MAJ VINEET SHARMA, PUNJAB, 22 RR
|
ARMY
| |
IC-69973F MAJ GAJDEEP PAL, ARTY, 43 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
IC-71524L MAJ RAKESH KUMAR, MARATHA LI, 38 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
IC-72438M MAJ VIKAS GURUNG, 2 DOGRA
|
ARMY
| |
IC-73425F MAJ ARVIND KUMAR SHIVRAIN, MECH INF, 13 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
IC-75232A MAJ JASHANDEEP SINGH SOHAL, 14 GARH RIF
|
ARMY
| |
IC-73203M MAJOR PRASHANT YADAV
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
| |
IC-77668K CAPT DEEPAK KUMAR BHAGWANI, INT, 14 GARH RIF
|
ARMY
| |
IC-75301L CAPT SUVEER RATHORE, 1 PARA (SF)
|
ARMY
| |
SS-45717N CAPT NAVEEN KUMAR, ARTY, 159 FD REGT
|
ARMY
| |
SS-47112L LIEUTENANT KRISHAN KANT
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
| |
JC-550121A SUB LILA KANTA KAKATI, 8 ASSAM
|
ARMY
| |
JC-278851H NB SUB GURPREET SINGH, ARTY, 31 FD REGT
|
ARMY
| |
JC-441024M NB SUB REMESH BABU P, 12 MADRAS
|
ARMY
| |
JC-531522A NB SUB LAL SINGH, 14 GARH RIF
|
ARMY
| |
2599491W HAV MALLAPPA CHANNALLI, 11 MADRAS(POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
| |
|
4186324A HAV CHANAR SINGH, 21 PARA (SF)
|
ARMY
|
4365075H HAV LALDINPUIA, ASSAM REGT, 42 RR
|
ARMY
| |
9421309L HAVILDAR RAJ BAHADUR TAMANG
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
| |
G/95698K HAV DURNA KANTA DOLEY, 44 ASSAM RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
| |
13623652H NAIK MANOJ KUMAR
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
| |
13625402A NK KALYAN SINGH, 4 PARA (SF)
|
ARMY
| |
13759898F NK JASWINDER SINGH, JAK RIF, 52 RR
|
ARMY
| |
15561614N NAIK BHUPINDER SINGH
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
|
ARMY
| |
2894815L NK NARENDRA SINGH GOUR, 7 RAJ RIF
|
ARMY
| |
3000927K L/NK JAI RAJ, RAJPUT, 44 RR
|
ARMY
| |
4001680W L/NK SANSAR CHAND, 9 DOGRA
|
ARMY
| |
4373439Y L/NK TUALLAWAT ZONUNTLUANGA, ASSAM REGT, SIACHEN BATTLE SCHOOL
|
ARMY
| |
12924296H L/NK TERSEM LAL, 157 INF BN (TA) (H&H) SIKH
|
ARMY
| |
15573117W L/NK JAGGA SINGH, 107 ENGR REGT(POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
| |
15700156W L/NK J HARI KRISHNA, SIGS, 42 RR
|
ARMY
| |
15486543N ALD TOYAJ MISHRA, 81 ARMD REGT
|
ARMY
| |
13014379A SEP ABU BAKKAR BARBHUIYA, INF BN (TA)(H&H) ASSAM, 7 JAT
|
ARMY
| |
5352141X RFN KAMAL PURJA PUN, GORKHA RIF, SIACHEN BATTLE SCHOOL
|
ARMY
| |
5457331H RFN ROMAN SINGH ALE, 5/5 GR (FF)
|
ARMY
| |
9927618M RFN MAQBUL ANSAR, 5 LADAKH SCOUT
|
ARMY
| |
16017793M RFN DINESH KUMAR, RAJ RIF, 18 RR
|
ARMY
| |
G/5012490A RFN MADANE AMOL BABAN RAO, 43 ASSAM RIFLES
|
ARMY
| |
15218627Y GNR GURSAHIB SINGH, ARTY, 30 RR(POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
| |
15215846P PTR KESHOR BASUMATARY, 3 PARA (SF)
|
ARMY
| |
15693135P SIGMN SAHAB SINGH, SIGS, C COMPOSITE SIG REGT (POSTHUMOUS)
|
ARMY
| |
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
| ||
CAPTAIN RAJESH DHANKHAR(03587-A)
|
NAVY
| |
CAPTAIN PRADEEP SINGH (03702-N)
|
NAVY
| |
VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
| ||
SQUADRON LEADER S SELVAKUMAR (28716) FLYING (PILOT)
|
AIR FORCE
| |
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT GANDIKOTA JAGAN MOHAN (30835) FLYING (PILOT)
|
AIR FORCE
| |
776027 SGT MUKESH KUMAR TIWARI FLIGHT GUNNER
|
AIR FORCE
| |
The President has also awarded 20 Mention-in-Despatches to Army & Para Military personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations which include three for ‘Operation Meghdoot’, 12 for ‘Operation Rakshak’, one for ‘Operation Orchid’, one for ‘Operation Hifazat’ and three for ‘Operation Rhino’.
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Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will unfurl the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, tomorrow to celebrate the 69th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolour, Shri Narendra Modi will address the nation.
On arrival at Lahori Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh and Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar.
The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lt. Gen Rajan Ravindran to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Shri Narendra Modi will inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
This year, Navy being the coordinating Service, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander Yoginder Sharma of the Indian Navy. The Army Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Sumiran Vyas, the Navy contingent by Lt Cdr Chanoraveer Singh Yadav, while Sqn Ldr Shakthi Vigneshwar will lead the Air Force contingent and the Delhi Police contingent by SDPO Shri Rohit Meena.
The Army contingent for Prime Minister's Guard is drawn from the 8th Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen). The battalion was raised as the First Battalion Border Scouts by volunteers who took up arms in the aftermath of communal passion and the smouldering embers of partition to check the multitude of Kabailies intruding into Poonch on 18 December 1947. Born in Battle and Purified in Blood, the battalion was re-designated as 08th Jammu & Kashmir Militia on 15 April 1948.
In 1971 war, the battalion was outnumbered but never outclassed in valour and fought the defensive battle successfully despite enemy’s passion for Chhamb. For this the battalion was awarded Battle Honour – Laleali and Piquet 707. The Regiment was rechristened Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry on 27 April 1976.
During the Siachen tenure in June 1987, the battalion created history by capturing ‘Quaid Post’ at an altitude of 21,153 feet, the highest battlefield in the world. The post was renamed as ‘Bana Top’ in honour of Naib Subedar Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra. The battalion was awarded COAS Unit Citation in 2001 for its sterling performance in Jammu & Kashmir, Poonch Sector. The Battalion established the United Nations Mission in Sudan 2006 and was conferred with United Nations Unit Citation in the year 2007 for handling the bloodiest of clashes ever in the history of Sudan.
The battalion yet again proved its mettle during its 2008 tenure at Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir when Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, Vir Chakra, Sena Medal, who laid down his life following the highest traditions of Indian Army while fighting terrorists, was bestowed with the highest peacetime gallantry award, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous). With this, the battalion joined the elite group of ‘Bravest of the Brave’ battalions. Apart from this, the battalion was once again conferred with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Unit Citation in 2009 for its splendid performance on the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Battalion is presently one of the most decorated battalions of the Indian Army with Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous), Vir Chakra, Sena Medal as one of the most decorated soldier. Presently, the Battalion is performing the prestigious duty of Ceremonial Army Guard to the President of India.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.
The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 871 Field Regiment. The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lt. Col Aditya Kumar Devrani, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal and the Gun Position Officer will be Regiment Havildar Major (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Sonu Yadav.
The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Commander Harpreet Singh from Indian Navy will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard. The Naval Contingent for the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Adil Mohideen, the Army contingent by Maj Kundan Singh, Air Force contingent by Sqn Ldr Himanshu Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP Shri Deepak Gauri.
The Naval Band will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashritya Salute’ while unfurling the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Band will be commanded by S Jankiraman, Master Chief Petty Officer Musician 2nd Class.
Two Naval Officers, Lieutenant VSSG Rao and Lieutenant Pramod will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the Prime Minister for ADC duties. Lt Commander Deepika Choudhary will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.
The Army contingent for the National Flag Guard is drawn from the 9th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. The Battalion was raised on 01 January 1965 by Late Lt Col PGR Nair. Since then, the Battalion has served in varied terrain, participated in numerous operations and has distinguished itself in all spheres. The Battalion has completed 50 years of distinguished and dedicated service to the nation on 01 January this year. Ninth Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles is the only battalion of the Garhwal Rifles to have been awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award in 1985. The Battalion is one of the first units of the Indian Army to be awarded the Chief of the Army Staff’s Unit Appreciation in 1992. The Battalion has so far been awarded two Kirti Chakras, three Shaurya Chakras, seven Sena Medals, one Vishist Seva Medal, one Jeevan Raksha Padak, two Mention-in-Despatches, 21 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, one Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and 27 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister's address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing the National Anthem.
Seven hundred cadets of the National Cadet Corps coming from 20 schools of Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will take part in the singing of patriotic songs along with the school children. In total, three thousand five hundred girl students from 45 government schools of eastern, north-eastern, northern, north-western, and central zones of Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages during the celebrations. On this occasion these school children will display the formation of ‘Jai Bharat’.
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