What is Param Vir Chakra?

About Param Vir Chakra:

• It is India's highest military decoration awarded for the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
• The Param Vir Chakra was introduced on January 26, 1950, on the first Republic Day with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947.
• Literally, Param Vir Chakra means 'Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave'.
• It can be awarded posthumously.
• It is similar to the British Victoria Cross, US Medal of Honor, or French Legion of Honor or Russian Cross of St. George.
• Design:
• The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar.
• The medal is cast in bronze and circular in shape.
• In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra's Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji.
• On its reverse, it shall have embossed Param Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English. The fitting will be swivel mounting.
• The decoration is suspended from a straight swiveling suspension bar, and is held by a 32 mm purple ribbon.
• First winner: Major Somanth Sharma, from the Kumaon regiment.
• Till now, only 21 people had been given the Param Vir Chakra award of which 14 are posthumous.

Gallantry Awards:

• They have been instituted by the Government of India to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted Forces and civilians.
• They are announced twice in a year - first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
• India’s Gallantry Awards in the order of precedence:
• Param Vir Chakra
• Ashoka Chakra
• Mahavir Chakra
• Kirti Chakra
• Vir Chakra
• Shaurya Chakra.