In a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu posthumously conferred the Shaurya Chakra on Captain Deepak Singh, honouring his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Captain Singh, a valiant soldier from Uttarakhand, served in the 48 Rashtriya Rifles and was killed in action during an anti-terror operation in Assar, Doda, in August 2024.
According to defence officials, Captain Singh displayed exceptional courage during the encounter with terrorists. Despite sustaining injuries, he continued to fight bravely and laid down his life protecting the nation.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid heartfelt tributes, expressing condolences to Captain Singh’s family and lauding his unmatched heroism. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dhami wrote, “In August 2024, during an encounter with terrorists, despite being injured, he showed unmatched courage and attained martyrdom while protecting the nation till his last breath. The military land of Uttarakhand is proud of this brave son.”
During Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, President Murmu also conferred six Kirti Chakras (including four posthumous) and 33 Shaurya Chakras (including seven posthumous) to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/UT Police, the Ministry of Defence stated.
The awards honoured acts of raw courage, exceptional bravery, and selfless service. Most gallantry acts were performed during counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, where several terrorists were neutralised or apprehended and large quantities of arms recovered.
The Ministry also highlighted heroic actions by Indian Navy personnel in anti-piracy operations, leading to the surrender of pirates and rescue of hostages, along with valiant efforts during firefighting on a burning oil tanker.
Indian Air Force officers were recognised for their courageous actions in life-threatening rescue missions, where they skillfully manoeuvred aircraft to prevent civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, CRPF officers were awarded for operations in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, where Maoist insurgents were neutralised and arms and ammunition recovered.
The investiture ceremony stands as a solemn reminder of the unwavering commitment and heroic spirit of India’s defence forces and law enforcement personnel who continue to protect the nation with exemplary courage.