Himachal’s Legacy of Valor: 1,203 Gallantry Awards, 4 Param Vir Chakra Recipients Honored

Shimla, May 30:
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri paid heartfelt tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes during his address at the Jai Hind Sabha held in Shimla on Friday. Honoring the supreme sacrifice made by countless soldiers, he emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is not only the land of gods (Devbhoomi), but also the land of the brave (Veerbhoomi), where sons of the soil have given everything in service to the nation.

Agnihotri shared that soldiers from Himachal have been awarded a total of 1,203 gallantry medals, a source of immense pride for the state. These include 4 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 10 Maha Vir Chakras, 25 Kirti Chakras, 57 Vir Chakras, and 99 Shaurya Chakras. He specifically recalled the heroic contributions of Param Vir Chakra awardees Major Somnath Sharma, Lt. Col. Dhan Singh Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra, and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, whose legacies, he said, will continue to inspire generations with their patriotism and bravery.

Tributes were also paid to recently martyred soldiers. Nayak Dilwar Khan of Una, who laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara on July 23, 2024, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. Havildar Rohit Kumar Negi from Kinnaur was posthumously honored with the Shaurya Chakra after he was killed in an avalanche on October 8, 2023.

The Deputy Chief Minister also remembered Agniveer Naveen Kumar from Kangra, who was martyred in the Drass sector on May 22, and Pawan Kumar, who lost his life during Operation Sindoor due to cross-border shelling. He extended wishes for the speedy recovery of Vyas Dev and Gurnam Singh of Haroli, who were injured in the line of duty.

Recalling the historic significance of the 1972 Shimla Agreement, Agnihotri noted its role as a decisive moment in India-Pakistan relations. The event was attended by Health Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania, several cabinet ministers, military officers, and dignitaries. The ceremony began with a two-minute silence in memory of the fallen heroes.