2. Introduction
• The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest
military decoration awarded for the highest
degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence
of the enemy. It can be, and often has
been, awarded posthumously.
• The PVC was established on 26 January 1950 (the
date of India becoming a republic), by the
President of India, with
• effect from 15 August 1947 (the date of Indian
independence).
3. • It can be awarded to officers or enlisted
personnel from all branches of the Indian
military. It is the second highest award of the
government of India after Bharat Ratna
• (amendment in the statute on 26 January
1980 resulted in this order of wearing).
• It replaced the former British colonial Victoria
Cross (VC)
4. Design
• The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar
(born Eva Yuonne Linda Maday-de-Maros to a
Hungarian father and Russian mother) who
was married to an Indian Army officer, Vikram
Khanolkar.
• This was done following a request from the
first Indian Adjutant General, Major General
Hira Lal Atal
5. • The medal is a circular bronze disc 1.375 inches (3.49 cm) in
diameter.
• The state emblem appears in the center, on a raised circle.
Surrounding this, four replicas of Indra's Vajra (the all-
powerful mythic weapon of the ancient Vedic King of
Gods).
• The decoration is suspended from a straight swivelling
suspension bar. It is named on the edge.
• On the rear, around a plain center, are two legends
separated by lotus flowers. The words Param Vir Chakra are
written in Hindi and English.
• A purple ribbon, 32 millimetres (1.3 in) long, holds the
Param Vir Chakra. The medal symbolizes Rishi
Dadhichi, who had donated his bones to the Gods for
making Vajra.
6.
7. Statistics
Established 26 January 1950
First awarded 3 November 1947
Last awarded 6 July 1999
Total awarded 21
Posthumous
awards
14
Distinct
recipients
21
8. Major Somnath Sharma(1947)
• He was born on January 31 , 1 923, in Himachal Pradesh
• Major Somnath Sharma laid down his life for the country on November 3, 1947
in Badgam, Kashmir in a brave e fight against Pakistan troops.
• Major General Amarnath Sharma, his father, received India's first and
highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, on behlalf of his son
9. • Lance Naik Karam Singh Lance Naik Karam Singh was born on
September 15, 1915, in Barnala, Punjab.
• He had earned a Military Medal in World War II. After the Jammu
& Kashmir operations in 1948 Karam Singh was honoured with
the highest wartime gallantry medal, Param Vir Chakra, for his
outstanding role in the battle of Tithwal.
Lance Naik Karam Singh(1948)
10.
11.
12. Captain Vikram Batra(1999)
• Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir
Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously.
His father, Mr G.L. Batra, received the award from the
President of India, on behalf of his brave son
13. Regiments
• Of the 21 awardees, 20 are from the Indian
Army and one from the Indian Air Force. Sikh
Regiment have received the most number of
Param Vir Chakras
