Delhi Cantt, May 23: In a solemn ceremony filled with emotion and pride, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi today presented the ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ and ‘Certificate of Honour’ to the Next of Kin (NoK) of Indian Army personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The event took place at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment, a day after the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
These honours, instituted in July 1999, pay homage to the supreme sacrifice made by Indian Army personnel since the nation’s first conflicts post-Independence. The first official presentation was held on Vijay Diwas in 1999.
The ‘Badge of Sacrifice’—a 24-carat gold-plated insignia engraved with the soldier’s name, rank, and Army number—symbolizes eternal remembrance. It is complemented by the ‘Certificate of Honour’, crafted on 24-carat gold foil and housed in a gold-plated frame. Both are designed by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans.
The following bravehearts were honoured during today’s ceremony:
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
OEM GDE-1 Vijayan Kutty G (Border Roads Organisation)
The ceremony was marked by powerful moments of silence, dignified salutes, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. Families, many moved to tears, accepted the honours with quiet pride, standing as living legacies of courage and sacrifice.
Reaffirming the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to honouring its martyrs, General Dwivedi stated, “The nation will always remember their valour and the indomitable spirit with which they served. These symbols are a small token of our eternal gratitude.”
The Indian Army continues to uphold its cherished traditions of service before self, ensuring every soldier’s sacrifice is remembered with dignity and reverence.
