THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW DELHI,
JANUARY 25, 2026
In a proud moment for the nation, the
Government of India on Sunday announced that Indian Air Force Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla will be conferred the Ashok Chakra, while Group Captain
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will receive the Kirti Chakra, recognising their
exceptional courage, dedication and service to the country.
As many as 70 Armed Forces personnel
have been selected for gallantry awards this year for displaying extraordinary
bravery, devotion to duty and sacrifice in the defence of the nation, with six
of the honours to be awarded posthumously. The list includes one Ashok Chakra,
three Kirti Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, a Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44
Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nau Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena
Medals (Gallantry).
The Ashok Chakra, India’s highest
peacetime gallantry award, will be bestowed upon Group Captain Shubhanshu
Shukla for his exemplary conduct during his historic space mission. Shukla
travelled to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission in
2025, becoming the second Indian, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, to
journey into space. He was honoured for his exceptional courage, swift
decision-making and unwavering commitment to duty under extremely challenging
conditions. During the mission, he conducted critical research experiments and
successfully carried out agricultural trials by cultivating fenugreek and mung
beans in space, showcasing innovation and resilience. His professional
excellence, calm leadership and determination ensured the successful completion
of the mission, inspiring future generations to pursue ambitious goals.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan
Nair, who has been awarded the Kirti Chakra, is a distinguished fighter test
pilot with over 3,000 flying hours to his credit. One of the four astronauts
selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, Nair has been
training with ISRO since 2019 and also served as a backup crew member for the
Axiom-4 mission. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in December 1998, he is
a recipient of the prestigious Sword of Honour.
In addition, Navy Lieutenant Commanders
Roopa A. and Dilna K. have been selected for the Shaurya Chakra for
successfully completing the historic Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition aboard
INSV Tarini. Their dual-handed circumnavigation of the globe between October
2024 and May 2025 stands as a pioneering achievement in Indian maritime
history, further highlighting the spirit of courage and excellence across
India’s armed forces.
