Gallantry Awards:
Background: "This world rests on the arms of heroes like a son on those of his sire.  He, therefore, that is a hero deserves respect under every circumstance.  There is nothing higher in the three worlds than heroism.  The hero protects and cherishes all, and things depend upon the hero".
GALLANTRY has always commanded respect and recognition.  In primitive societies the leadership of the clan or tribe fell upon the most brave.  The origin of the state saw the brave elevated to kingship.  Indra, the most distinguished of the brave among the Indo-Aryans, became the King and the Commander.
The evolution of regular armies, however, demanded elaboration of the system of honours and award.  In the Vedic Age this was done by granting a share to soldiers in the booty.

Government of India gives the following Gallantry Awards:

·  Bharat Ratna (1954-77, 1980--)	·  Coast Guard Medal for Meritorious Service
·  Param Vir Chakra (1952--)	·  Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service
·  Ashoka Chakra (1952--)	·  Police Medal for Meritorious Service (1951--)
·  Padma Vibhushan (1954-77, 1980--)	·  Fire Services Medal for Meritorious Service
·  Padma Bhushan (1954-77, 1980--)	·  Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service
·  Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)	·  Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)
·  Param Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)	·  Territorial Army Decoration (1952--)
·  Maha Vir Chakra (1952--)	·  Territorial Army Medal (1952--)
·  Kirti Chakra (1952--)	·  Indian Independence Medal 1947
·  Padma Shri (1954-77, 1980--)	·  Independence Medal 1950
·  Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)	·  50th Independence Anniversary Medal (1997)
·  Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)	·  25th Independence Anniversary Medal (1972)
·  Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)	·  30 Years Long Service Medal (1980--)
·  Vir Chakra (1952--)	·  20 Years Long Service Medal (1971--)
·  Shaurya Chakra (1952--)	·  9 Years Long Service Medal (1971--)
·  Yudh Seva Medal (1980--)	·  Unnat Raksha Suraksha Corps Medal
·  President's Police and Fire Services Medal for Gallantry (1951--)	·  Raksha Suraksha Corps Medal
·  President's Police Medal for Gallantry	·  National Cadet Corps Long Service Medal for 14 Years
·  President's Fire Services Medal for Gallantry	·  National Cadet Corps Long Service Medal for 7 Years
·  President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry (1974--)	·  Mention in Dispatches
·  Sena Medal (1961--)	·  COAS/CNS/CAS Commendation Card
·  Nao Sena Medal (1960--)	·  High Altitude Service Medal
·  Vayu Sena Medal (1960--)	·  Police (Special Duty) Medal 1962
·  Vishisht Seva Medal (1960--)	·  Videsh Seva Medal (1960--)
·  Indian Police Medal for Gallantry (1948-51)	·  President's Police and Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service (1951--)
·  Police Medal for Gallantry (1951--)	·  President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service
·  Home Guards and Civil Defense Medal for Gallantry (1974--)	·  President's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
·  Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak (1961--)	·  President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service
·  Wound Medal (1973--)	·  Meritorious Service Medal (1957--)
·     General Service Medal 1947	·  Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1957--)
·  Samanya Seva Medal 1965	·  Raksha Medal 1965
·  Punjab Ribbon	·  Sangram Medal (1971)
·  Samar Seva Star (1965)	·  Sainya Seva Medal (1960--)
·  Poorvi Star (1971)	·  Special Service Medal (1986--)
·  Paschimi Star (1971)	·  Siachen Glacier Medal (1984--)
Disclosure: - The Information provided on this page is taken from web site: http://haynese.winthrop.edu/india/medals/indmed.html The hard work done by original author Ed Haynes is duly acknowledged.
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