Operation Sindoor Heroes Honoured: Army Chief Awards Gallantry Medals Posthumously at Jaipur Army Day Parade

The 78th Army Day Parade held at Mahal Road, Jaipur, resonated with stories of supreme sacrifice and unmatched valour as the Indian Army honoured the fallen heroes of Operation Sindoor and counter-terrorism operations. In a solemn and proud ceremony, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi posthumously conferred the Sena Medal (Gallantry) on five brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, became a living testament to the courage, discipline and indomitable spirit of the Indian Army as families of the martyrs received the medals amid thunderous applause and moist eyes.

The Gallant Heroes of Operation Sindoor

Subedar Major Pawan Kumar
During a fierce enemy attack in May 2025 at the Krishna Valley military post, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar displayed exceptional leadership and bravery. Amid intense shelling and drone attacks, he established an effective anti-drone grid and ensured the safety of his fellow soldiers by guiding them to secure bunkers. While defending his post, an enemy artillery shell struck his position, leading to his supreme sacrifice. His courage saved numerous lives. The medal was received by his mother, Kisso Devi, and wife, Sushma Devi.

Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh
On May 9, 2025, during heavy cross-border shelling, Havildar Sunil Kumar remained steadfast at his sentry post despite continuous enemy fire. Spotting six hostile drones approaching the area, he immediately alerted his unit and engaged them with his rifle in the open. Severely injured by shrapnel from an artillery explosion, he continued to pass vital information until his last breath, enabling Indian forces to neutralize the drone threat. His wife, Sujata Kumari, received the Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar
Exhibiting unwavering devotion to duty, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar ensured uninterrupted ammunition supply during intense firing on the night of May 6–7, 2025. Despite being targeted by multiple enemy drones, he retaliated fearlessly, preventing damage to Indian gun positions. A drone-dropped mortar shell critically injured him near an artillery gun. He succumbed to his injuries on May 7, 2025. His mother Meera Devi and wife Seema received the honour.

Lance Naik Subhash Kumar
Acting on intelligence inputs in July 2024, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar confronted heavily armed terrorists attempting infiltration through Battal Nala. Displaying extraordinary composure under fire, he engaged the terrorists at close range and neutralized two of them despite sustaining severe injuries from grenade and gunfire. His actions foiled the infiltration attempt. The medal was received by his mother Pushpa Devi and wife Kanti Devi.

Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar
During a search operation in Kulgam in July 2024, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar led his team into a suspected hideout. When terrorists opened sudden fire from concealment, he responded with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating one militant and holding back another despite being grievously wounded. His courage allowed his team to regroup and complete the operation. He later succumbed to his injuries. His mother Ramsnehi and wife Manisha accepted the gallantry medal.

A Nation Salutes Its Brave Sons

The Army Day Parade not only showcased military might but also paid a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers whose courage defines the nation’s security. As the medals were handed over to the families, the atmosphere was filled with pride, respect and gratitude.

These five heroes of Operation Sindoor may have attained martyrdom, but their legacy of bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation will continue to inspire generations to come.