Param Vir Chakra

PVC or Param Vir Chakra is the topmost military decoration in India awarded for high degree bravery or self sacrifice when enemy is present. It is usually awarded posthumously. Param Veer in the Sanskrit language refers to the "Bravest of the Brave".It is the highest gallantry award. This award carries with it right of using PVC as an abbreviation which is post nominal.

This medal is a symbol of great sage, Dadhich, who had donated his thigh bones for the formation of Bhavani, Shivaji’s sword and Vajra as per the Hindu mythology.

The PVC award carries a cash allowance for the rank of Second Lieutenant or if the service is equivalent appropriately. It has been found that in few cases there is a lump-sum award of cash being presented.

History

PVC got incorporated on January 26, 1950 on the Republic Day by the President of the country w.e.f. 15th August, 1947 on Independence Day of the country. It may be awarded to enlisted personnel or officers from the Indian military branches. After Bharat Ratna, it has been the second highest award by the Indian government. It has been replacement of the former British colonial Victoria Cross.

The PVC medal got designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolankar, wife of an Indian Army officer. PVC for the first time was awarded to Major Somnath Sharma, her son-in law for his valor in 1947 in the Kashmir operations.

Sanjay Kumar, Yogendra Singh Yadav and Subedar Major Bana Singh are the only serving personnel of the Indian defence establishment with a Param Vir Chakra.

Medallion Details of Param Vir Chakra

First Medallion (1947)

The medal has been made up of bronze disc circular in shape and having a diameter of 1.375 inches. There is a state emblem seen in the center which is surrounded by 4 replicas of Vajra of Indra, the mighty mythic weapon belonging to the ancient gods of Vedic kings. There is a straight swiveling bar suspending and the name is on the edge. There are 2 legends on the rear, having a separation by lotus flowers. Param Vir Chakra is written in English and Hindi there. There is a 32 mm purple ribbon holding the Param Vir Chakra.

Later Medallions

The Bhavani sword exhibited in the medal was withdrawn later and is not visible in the current Param Vir Chakra also.

List of Award Winners in India

Out of the 21 awardees, there are 20 belonging to the Indian Army and one has been from the Indian Air Force. Grandeurs got the maximum number of Param Vir Chakras having 3 awards. 3 awards have been received by the Gorkha Rifles with the premier Gorkha Rifles, 8th Gorkha Rifles as well as 11th Gorkha Rifles.

It has been found that Subedar Major Bana Singh belonging to the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry had been the only serving personnel having a Param Vir Chakra until the operations of Kargil. He had been a part of the Indian defence establishment there

Dhan Singh Thapa, the retired Lieutenant Colonel of 1/8 GR, had been the other awardee of PVC surviving till there were Kargil operations. He had received the Param Vir Chakra when he held the post of a Major.

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