Heartfelt Tribute Held at Manekshaw Centre
The ceremony took place at Delhi Cantt’s Manekshaw Centre. It was deeply moving. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi honored India’s fallen heroes. He paid tribute to them. He presented the ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ and the ‘Certificate of Honour’ to their next of kin. The ceremony followed the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22.
These symbolic recognitions were awarded to families of Indian Army personnel who lost their lives in combat. They also include those lost in counter-terrorism operations. This marks the Army’s enduring respect for their supreme sacrifice.
Symbols of Bravery and Eternal Gratitude
The honours were conferred upon Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks. They made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. The ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ is a 24-carat gold-plated insignia. It is engraved with the individual soldier’s rank, name, and Army number. It also features the Indian Army insignia on its reverse side.
The accompanying ‘Certificate of Honour’ is printed on a durable gold foil. It is enclosed in a gold-plated frame. This design embodies the Army’s unwavering commitment to honouring its heroes. Both tributes were designed by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans.
A Legacy of Remembrance Since 1999
These tokens of gratitude were formally introduced in July 1999. The first official presentation took place on Vijay Diwas, December 16, 1999. Since then, the Army has continued to give these honours to the families. These families have soldiers martyred in conflicts dating back to 1947. This reinforces the nation’s pledge to never forget its heroes.
Recognising the Ultimate Sacrifice
The following brave individuals were commemorated during the ceremony:
- Colonel Manpreet Singh
- Major Aashish Dhonchak
- Captain Deepak Singh
- Havildar Rohit Kumar
- Naik Dilwar Khan
- Rifleman Ravi Kumar
- Sepoy Pradeep Singh
- DSP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat
- OEM GDE-1 Vijayan Kutty G (Border Roads Organisation)
The event was marked by solemnity and emotion. Family members accepted the honours with quiet dignity and pride. Their strength and presence underscored the profound cost of service to the nation.
Upholding a Tradition of Honour
The Indian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the memory of its martyrs. Through such ceremonies, the institution salutes the courage of the fallen. It also extends heartfelt gratitude to the families who bear their loss with resilience and grace.
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