The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valor during wartime. Since its inception in 1950, the PVC has been conferred upon 21 individuals, each exemplifying extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of the enemy. This article pays tribute to these heroes, highlighting their remarkable stories and the legacy they leave behind.

Origins of the Param Vir Chakra

Established on 26 January 1950, the Param Vir Chakra was instituted to recognize the highest degree of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar, drawing inspiration from the mythological figure of Indra's Vajra (thunderbolt). The PVC holds a place of utmost honor in the Indian Armed Forces, symbolizing the pinnacle of bravery.​

Pioneers of Valor: Early Recipients

Major Somnath Sharma (1947)

As the first recipient of the PVC, Major Somnath Sharma displayed unparalleled bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. Leading his company in the Battle of Badgam, he repelled enemy forces despite being heavily outnumbered, sacrificing his life to protect Srinagar Airport. ​

Major Rama Raghoba Rane (1948)

The first living recipient of the PVC, Major Rane's engineering expertise was pivotal during the 1947-48 Kashmir operations. He cleared minefields and roadblocks under enemy fire, facilitating the advance of Indian tanks and contributing significantly to the capture of Rajauri. ​

Gallantry in Subsequent Conflicts

Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa (1962)

During the Sino-Indian War, Major Thapa and his men defended their post at Sirijap against overwhelming Chinese forces. Despite being captured, his leadership and valor earned him the PVC.

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (1971)

At just 21, Lt. Khetarpal showcased exceptional bravery in the Battle of Basantar during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Even after his tank was hit, he continued to fight, destroying several enemy tanks before succumbing to his injuries. ​

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (1971)

The only Indian Air Force officer to receive the PVC, Flying Officer Sekhon, defended the Srinagar Air Base during a Pakistani air raid. Engaging multiple enemy aircraft, he was shot down but not before exhibiting extraordinary aerial combat skills. ​

The Kargil War: Modern-Day Heroes

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (1999)

At 19, Yadav became the youngest PVC awardee for his role in the Kargil War. Despite multiple bullet wounds, he scaled a vertical cliff to neutralize enemy bunkers, facilitating the capture of Tiger Hill. Initially presumed dead, he survived and continued to serve the nation. ​

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (1999)

Demonstrating indomitable spirit during the Kargil conflict, Rifleman Kumar charged enemy positions under heavy fire, capturing crucial bunkers and turning the tide in India's favor.​

Complete List of Param Vir Chakra Recipients

• Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumous) Kumaon Regiment – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 – Battle of Badgam, Jammu and Kashmir

• Naik Jadunath Singh (Posthumous) Rajput Regiment – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 – Naushera, Jammu and Kashmir

• Second Lieutenant Rama Raghoba Rane Bombay Sappers – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 – Naushera-Rajouri Road, Jammu and Kashmir

• Company Havildar Major Piru Singh Shekhawat (Posthumous) Rajputana Rifles – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 – Tithwal, Jammu and Kashmir

• Lance Naik Karam Singh Sikh Regiment – Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 – Tithwal, Jammu and Kashmir

• Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (Posthumous) 1 Gorkha Rifles – United Nations Operation in the Congo – Katanga, Congo

• Major Dhan Singh Thapa 8 Gorkha Rifles – Sino-Indian War – Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

• Subedar Joginder Singh (Posthumous) Sikh Regiment – Sino-Indian War – Tongpen La, North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh)

• Major Shaitan Singh (Posthumous) Kumaon Regiment – Sino-Indian War – Rezang La, Jammu and Kashmir

• Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid (Posthumous) The Grenadiers – Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 – Khemkaran, Punjab

• Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (Posthumous) Poona Horse – Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 – Phillora, Sialkot, Pakistan

• Lance Naik Albert Ekka (Posthumous) Brigade of the Guards – Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 – Gangasagar, Agartala, India

• Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Posthumous) No. 18 Squadron IAF – Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 – Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

• Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (Posthumous) Poona Horse – Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 – Battle of Basantar, Shakargarh, Pakistan

• Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya The Grenadiers – Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 – Battle of Basantar, Shakargarh, Pakistan

• Naib Subedar Bana Singh Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry – Operation Meghdoot – Siachen Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir

• Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran (Posthumous) Mahar Regiment – Operation Pawan – Sri Lanka

• Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous) 11 Gorkha Rifles – Kargil War – Khalubar, Jammu and Kashmir

• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav The Grenadiers – Kargil War – Tiger Hill, Jammu and Kashmir

• Rifleman Sanjay Kumar Jammu and Kashmir Rifles – Kargil War – Area Flat Top, Jammu and Kashmir

• Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous) Jammu and Kashmir Rifles – Kargil War – Point 4875, Jammu and Kashmir

Legacy and Remembrance

The Param Vir Chakra recipients are immortalized through various memorials, educational institutions, and public commemorations. Their stories are integral to India's military history, serving as inspiration for future generations. The bravery of these individuals underscores the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that define the Indian Armed Forces.​

The tales of these 21 heroes are not just accounts of wartime valor but narratives of unwavering dedication to the nation. Their legacies continue to inspire and remind us of the profound cost of freedom and the individuals who pay that price with honor.​