Shaurya Chakra
The Shaurya Chakra is a peacetime gallantry award established by the Government of India on 4 January 1952 as the Ashoka Chakra Class III and renamed on 27 January 1967, conferred for acts of valour, courageous action, or self-sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.[1][2]
It serves as the peacetime equivalent of the Vir Chakra and holds the third position in precedence among India's peacetime gallantry decorations, following the Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra.[3][4]
The bronze medal, circular and 32 mm in diameter with raised rims, depicts the Ashoka Chakra on the obverse and features a ribbon of red, light blue, and green stripes; it may be awarded posthumously to personnel of the armed forces, central police organizations, state police, and civilians for exemplary bravery in operations such as counter-terrorism or internal security duties.[4][5][2]
Announced biannually on the occasions of Republic Day and Independence Day, the award underscores recognition of heroism in non-combat scenarios, with recipients often honoured in investiture ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan.[4][5]