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What does Kirti Chakra translate to?

The name Kirti Chakra comes from the Sanskrit language. It translates to the Wheel of Fame or the Wheel of Glory. This name represents the great honor earned by people who show bravery in difficult times.

What was this award called originally?

The Indian government first created this award in 1952. At that time, it was known as the Ashoka Chakra, Class II. In 1967, the government changed the name to the Kirti Chakra to give this specific medal its own unique identity.

What is the medal made out of?

The Kirti Chakra is a circular medal made out of solid silver. It is crafted with a golden replica of the Ashoka Chakra sitting in the center. The medal hangs from a ribbon and is designed to show respect for those who receive it.

How can you recognize its ribbon?

You can spot the ribbon by its distinct bright green color. It features two thin orange vertical stripes that divide the ribbon into three equal parts. These colors are chosen to make the medal stand out when it is worn on a uniform.

Can it be given to police officers?

Yes, it is open to all ranks of the army, navy, and air force, as well as police and civilians. Many police officers and special commandos have earned this honor for fighting against armed terrorists. It recognizes those who stay calm and brave during dangerous surprise attacks and high-risk security missions.

What does Kirti Chakra translate to?

The name Kirti Chakra comes from the Sanskrit language. It translates to the Wheel of Fame or the Wheel of Glory. This name represents the great honor earned by people who show bravery in difficult times.

What was this award called originally?

The Indian government first created this award in 1952. At that time, it was known as the Ashoka Chakra, Class II. In 1967, the government changed the name to the Kirti Chakra to give this specific medal its own unique identity.

What is the medal made out of?

The Kirti Chakra is a circular medal made out of solid silver. It is crafted with a golden replica of the Ashoka Chakra sitting in the center. The medal hangs from a ribbon and is designed to show respect for those who receive it.

How can you recognize its ribbon?

You can spot the ribbon by its distinct bright green color. It features two thin orange vertical stripes that divide the ribbon into three equal parts. These colors are chosen to make the medal stand out when it is worn on a uniform.

Can it be given to police officers?

Yes, it is open to all ranks of the army, navy, and air force, as well as police and civilians. Many police officers and special commandos have earned this honor for fighting against armed terrorists. It recognizes those who stay calm and brave during dangerous surprise attacks and high-risk security missions.

Home Library IndiaKirti Chakra

Valor decoration

Kirti Chakra

India's second-highest peacetime award for conspicuous bravery and daring valor outside of open wartime combat.

India Established 1952 All servicesPrecedence: 4th in military precedence (following Maha Vir Chakra)

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for conspicuous gallantry other than in the face of the enemy.

Eligibility

Open to all ranks of the army, navy, air force, police forces, and regular civilians.

Branch

All services

Precedence

4th in military precedence (following Maha Vir Chakra)

Kirti Chakra, Valor decoration, India medal

History

The medal was created in 1952 under the initial name Ashoka Chakra Class II. In 1967, the government renamed it the Kirti Chakra to give each peacetime bravery medal a distinct identity. It stands alongside the wartime Maha Vir Chakra in general importance.

Over the years, the Kirti Chakra has often been awarded to police officers, commandos, and soldiers fighting armed insurgents and terrorists. It honors heroes who protect others during surprise attacks, hazardous ambushes, and high-risk security missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Operation Blue Star (1984)Internal security operations in PunjabCounter-insurgency operations in Jammu and KashmirAnti-Naxalite operations

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Vikram Batra, including Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Sena Medal, Siachen Glacier Medal, Samanya Seva Medal 1965, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Shaurya Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, shown against a light India flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Korean War

Param Vir Chakra Maha Vir Chakra Vir Chakra+7

Vikram Batra

Who Was Captain Vikram Batra?

Known as the Lion of Kargil, Captain Batra showed immense courage.

India1999-07-07

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Sources

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