Key Points

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presented the 'Badge of Sacrifice' and 'Certificate of Honour' to families of fallen soldiers in a solemn ceremony. The awards, instituted in 1999, honor those who died in enemy and terrorist actions. The gold-plated insignia bears the soldier's name, rank, and Army number. The event highlighted the Army's commitment to remembering its martyrs with dignity.

Key Points: Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi Honors Fallen Soldiers' Families with Badge of Sacrifice

  • COAS honors martyrs including Colonel Manpreet Singh & Major Aashish Dhonchak
  • Gold-plated insignia engraved with soldier's details
  • Ceremony held a day after Defence Investiture at Rashtrapati Bhawan
  • Instituted in 1999, first awarded on Vijay Diwas
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COAS General Upendra Dwivedi presents 'Badge of sacrifice', 'Certificate of honour' to next of kin of fallen soldiers

COAS General Upendra Dwivedi presents 'Badge of Sacrifice' and 'Certificate of Honour' to kin of martyred soldiers at Delhi ceremony.

"The 'Badge of Sacrifice' symbolizes eternal remembrance of our bravehearts. – Indian Army"

New Delhi, May 23

In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony held at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, presented the 'Badge of Sacrifice' and the 'Certificate of Honour' to the next of kin of Indian Army personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The COAS presented the 'Badge of Sacrifice' and 'Certificate of Honour' to the next of kin of bravehearts---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 and OEM GDE-1 Vijayan Kutty G (Border Road Organisation).

The presentation took place a day after the formal Defence Investiture Ceremony, which was conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22.

The awards - a deeply symbolic tribute to valour and supreme sacrifice - were conferred to honour officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and other ranks who were killed in enemy and terrorist action while serving the nation.

Instituted in July 1999, the Badge of Sacrifice and Certificate of Honour have since been bestowed upon families of bravehearts from conflicts dating back to 1947.

The first official presentation was held on Vijay Diwas, December 16, 1999, marking a significant milestone in the Army's continued commitment to remembering its bravehearts.

The 'Badge of Sacrifice' is a 24-carat gold-plated insignia individually engraved with the soldier's Army number, rank, and name.

On the reverse, the Indian Army insignia is inscribed, symbolising eternal remembrance. The 'Certificate of Honour' is equally distinguished, crafted on permanent-finish 24-carat gold foil and set within a gold-plated frame.

Designed by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans of the Indian Army, these honours reflect the aesthetic dignity and enduring respect the Army holds for its fallen heroes.

The families, many overcome with emotion, accepted the awards with quiet pride. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of national security and the strength that sustains those left behind.

The Indian Army continues to uphold its deep-rooted traditions of honour, duty, and sacrifice, ensuring that every fallen soldier is remembered with dignity and reverence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Salute to our brave soldiers and their families! 🇮🇳 These honors are the least we can do to acknowledge their supreme sacrifice. The gold-plated insignia is a beautiful tribute - may their memories shine as brightly as the medals. Jai Hind!
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Priya M.
Heartbreaking yet proud moment for the nation. While these honors are meaningful, I hope the government also ensures proper financial support and education opportunities for the martyrs' children. That would be true respect for their sacrifice.
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Arjun S.
Seeing the names from different religions and regions united in sacrifice reminds us what India truly stands for. The Army shows us how to be one nation. These ceremonies should be televised more - our youth need to see this patriotism.
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Sunita R.
My father served in Kargil war. These honors mean everything to military families. But I wish common citizens would show more respect to soldiers in daily life too - not just during ceremonies or wars. They protect us 24/7!
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Vikram J.
The BRO officer's inclusion shows how many unsung heroes we have beyond frontline combat. From building border roads to maintaining supply lines - every role matters in national security. Well done Army for recognizing all sacrifices equally.
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Neha T.
While the ceremony is beautiful, I worry about practical support for these families. Many struggle with pensions, healthcare and jobs. Can we create a special martyrs' welfare fund where citizens can contribute directly? I'd donate in a heartbeat.

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