IAF Group Captain Abhinandan awarded Vir Chakra

• Group Captain Varthaman Abhinandan, who shot down a Pakistan F-16 fighter jet in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February 2019 has been awarded the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind at a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
• The Vir Chakra is the third-highest Indian military honour during wartime after Param Vir Chakra and Maha Chakra.

Gallantry awards in India

• Post-independence, first three gallantry awards namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra were instituted by the Government of India on 26th January, 1950 which were deemed to have effect from the 15th August, 1947.
• Thereafter, other three gallantry awards i.e. Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II and Ashoka Chakra Class-III were instituted by the Government of India.
• These awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra respectively in January, 1967.
• These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year - first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.

Appearance of Medal

• The medal is circular in shape and is made of standard silver, and is embossed on the obverse a five pointed heraldic star with the points of the star just touching the rim.
• The State Emblem (including motto) is embossed in the centre-piece which is domed.
• The star is polished and the centre piece is in gold gilt.
• On the reverse it will have embossed Vir Chakra both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers between Hindi and English wording. The fitting is swivel mounting.
• Ribbon: The ribbon is of half blue and half orange in colour.

Conditions of Eligibility

• The Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land or at sea or in the air.
• The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
• Monetary Allowance. Rs. 1700/- pm.