Ashok Chakra Award

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Ashok Chakra Award

The Ashok Chakra serves as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, inspiring others to act selflessly in challenging situations.

  1. The Ashok Chakra Award is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, presented to individuals for acts of extraordinary bravery, valor, or self-sacrifice in the face of grave danger. It is awarded to both military personnel and civilians for exemplary courage during peacetime situations.Key Points:
    1. Establishment:
      • Instituted on January 4, 1952.It replaced the British-era George Cross.
      Eligibility:
      • Open to military personnel, civilian citizens, and members of the police and paramilitary forces.Recognizes acts of courage not directly connected with military operations, typically in peacetime.
      Award Details:
      • The recipient receives a gold medal.A certificate of recognition is presented.The honor includes a monthly monetary allowance for the recipient or their family.
      Design of the Medal:
      • The medal is circular and made of gold.It features a depiction of Ashoka’s Lion Capital on one side, with the words “Ashok Chakra” inscribed in Hindi and English.The other side displays a lotus wreath.
      Notable Recipients:
      • Neerja Bhanot, the brave flight attendant who sacrificed her life saving passengers during a hijacking in 1986.Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was awarded posthumously for his gallantry during the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.Havildar Hangpan Dada, posthumously honored for his exceptional bravery in a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
      Importance:
      • The Ashok Chakra is considered equivalent to the Param Vir Chakra, which is awarded for wartime gallantry.It highlights acts of heroism performed in the service of the nation and humanity during peacetime.

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