President of India, Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations in Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi.
Gallantry Awards have been instituted by the Government of India to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of the officers of the Armed Forces.
The order of precedence of these awards is Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman was accorded the Vir Chakra for his role in pushing back Pakistan’s fighter jets in February 2019.
The Second-highest peacetime gallantry award Kirti Chakra (posthumously) was given to Sapper Prakash Jadhav for neutralising terrorists in an operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief of Indian Air Force Vivek R Chaudhari and Navy chief designate Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar also received Param Vishisht Seva Medal from the President.