By Admin 
On the occasion of the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India has announced to give military decorations including Padma Award. This time it has been decided to honor the heroes of Operation Sindoor for their indomitable courage. Colonel Amit Kumar Yadav and Colonel Vinay Kumar Pandey have been honored for taking command of Operation Sindoor and playing a direct role in targeting terrorist hideouts in the military action. Apart from these, the government has announced to honor Colonel Sophia Qureshi, who brought the voice of Operation Sindoor to the world, with the Vishisht Seva Medal.
Also, President Draupadi Murmu has approved to provide Mention-in-Despatches to a total of 98 personnel of the Armed Forces and Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) for their outstanding, courageous and exemplary contribution in the service of the country. Five of these honors have been given posthumously. These 98 honorees include 81 personnel of the Indian Army, 15 personnel of the Indian Navy, and two personnel of the Border Roads Development Board (both posthumously).
301 soldiers will be awarded military decorations
The President has also approved the award of 301 military decorations to the armed forces and other personnel. These include 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, 4 Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 9 Yudh Seva Medal, 2 Bar Two Sena Medal, 43 Sena Medal, 8 Navy Medal, 14 Air Force Medal and 135 Vishisht Seva Medal. After the approval of the President, the government has announced to honor Colonel Sophia Qureshi with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Indian Army personnel have been awarded for their indomitable courage, leadership ability, professional efficiency and dedication to the nation in various operations and special tasks. The heroes who will be honored posthumously include Havildar Yakub Masih, Naik Naveen Paudel, Agniveer Ajit Singh Rajput, CP Skilled Ganesh Singh of Border Roads Development Board and CP Mate Dhunna Tudu.
Who received the Mention-in-Dispatches honour?
The Army personnel who received Mention-in-Dispatches honors include 2 personnel from Operation Sindoor, 17 personnel from Operation Rakshak, 11 personnel from Operation Snow Leopard, 11 personnel from Operation Hifazaj, 5 personnel from Operation Orchid, 2 personnel from Operation Meghdoot, 1 personnel from Operation Rhino, 3 Rescue Operations, 4 from Operation Casualty Evacuation, 1 from Operation Saufen, and 24 are from various operations (3 posthumous).
These various operations included challenging tasks like anti-terrorism operations, security operations in border areas, deployment in high altitude inaccessible areas, special forces operations, disaster relief, medical and air evacuation.
15 officers and sailors of the Indian Navy have been awarded Mention-in-Despatches for their distinguished contribution to maritime security, operational readiness, technical proficiency and national interest. Two BRDB employees have been awarded this honor posthumously. These personnel made the supreme sacrifice in building and maintaining the nation’s strategic infrastructure in difficult and hazardous conditions.
Mention-in-Despatches is awarded to personnel who have displayed extraordinary courage, devotion and professional excellence in the discharge of their duties. This honor symbolizes the continuous dedication of the armed forces in protecting the security, integrity and citizens of the country.