Republic Day 2026: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured with Ashoka Chakra, Women Navy Officers Receive Shaurya Chakras
In a momentous announcement on the eve of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for 70 personnel from the Armed Forces, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), being conferred the prestigious Ashoka Chakra—India's highest peacetime gallantry award. This recognition highlights the nation's commitment to honouring exceptional bravery and service across diverse fields, from space exploration to military operations.
Gallantry Awards Distribution and Notable Recipients
The gallantry decorations encompass a wide range of honours, reflecting the varied acts of courage and dedication. The awards include:
- Three Kirti Chakras
- 13 Shaurya Chakras (one posthumous)
- One Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
- 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (five posthumous)
- Six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- Two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
Among the recipients, six awards have been granted posthumously, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Group Captain Shukla's achievement is particularly noteworthy, as he flew to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in India's space endeavours.
Kirti Chakra Awardees and Their Heroic Acts
The Kirti Chakra, another esteemed gallantry award, has been awarded to three individuals for their extraordinary bravery:
- Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair of the Indian Air Force and astronaut
- Major Arshdeep Singh of 1 Assam Rifles
- Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba of 2 Para (SF)
Major Singh demonstrated exceptional leadership on May 14, 2025, when he led a special patrol along the Indo-Myanmar Border. The patrol came under sudden and unprovoked fire from a dominating height. Fearlessly assaulting the position through dense undergrowth, he eliminated multiple armed cadres, ensuring zero casualties among his own troops through his gallantry and resolve.
Naib Subedar Subba showcased conspicuous bravery during a counter-terror operation last year in the forests of Kishtwar. Maneuvering under heavy hostile fire, he closed in on terrorists with complete disregard for personal safety, eliminating a hardcore foreign terrorist and then another, displaying unwavering courage in the face of danger.
Shaurya Chakra Recipients: Honouring Women Navy Officers
Ten Army personnel and two women officers of the Navy have been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, with the Navy officers being:
- Lieutenant Commander Dilna K
- Lieutenant Commander Roopa A
Lieutenant Commander Dilna K was selected for Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a pioneering dual-handed circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini between October 2, 2024, and May 29, 2025. Her citation notes that she sailed over 25,600 nautical miles through the Indian, Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans, exemplifying resilience and skill in challenging maritime environments.
This Republic Day, the awards not only celebrate individual acts of valour but also underscore the diverse contributions of India's Armed Forces personnel, from space missions to naval expeditions and frontline combat. The recognition of women officers like Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A highlights the growing role of women in defence services, inspiring future generations.
