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What does 'Sena' mean?

The word 'Sena' comes from the Hindi language and it simply means Army. This medal was created in 1960 to honor soldiers who serve in the Indian Army. It is a special way for the government to show they appreciate the hard work of these brave men and women.

Can the Sena Medal be given for bravery?

Yes, it is awarded for brave acts during fights and wars. Soldiers also get it for doing their jobs extremely well during difficult times. It has been given to soldiers in major battles like the Kargil War of 1999 and during tough missions in the high mountains.

How do you tell if a Sena Medal was given for bravery?

You can spot the difference by looking at the ribbon that holds the medal. If a soldier earned it for being extra brave in battle, there will be a small silver badge attached to the ribbon. This small detail tells everyone that the soldier went above and beyond the call of duty.

Can women in the army earn this medal?

Yes, any member of the Indian Army can earn this honor regardless of their gender. Women who work as doctors or in other important jobs in the military are eligible to receive it. It is given to anyone who shows great courage or does a wonderful job in their military service.

What design is on the medal?

The medal is made of silver and shaped like a circle. It shows a picture of a soldier's bayonet pointing straight up toward the sky. This is a classic symbol of the infantry and represents the strength of the Indian Army.

What does 'Sena' mean?

The word 'Sena' comes from the Hindi language and it simply means Army. This medal was created in 1960 to honor soldiers who serve in the Indian Army. It is a special way for the government to show they appreciate the hard work of these brave men and women.

Can the Sena Medal be given for bravery?

Yes, it is awarded for brave acts during fights and wars. Soldiers also get it for doing their jobs extremely well during difficult times. It has been given to soldiers in major battles like the Kargil War of 1999 and during tough missions in the high mountains.

How do you tell if a Sena Medal was given for bravery?

You can spot the difference by looking at the ribbon that holds the medal. If a soldier earned it for being extra brave in battle, there will be a small silver badge attached to the ribbon. This small detail tells everyone that the soldier went above and beyond the call of duty.

Can women in the army earn this medal?

Yes, any member of the Indian Army can earn this honor regardless of their gender. Women who work as doctors or in other important jobs in the military are eligible to receive it. It is given to anyone who shows great courage or does a wonderful job in their military service.

What design is on the medal?

The medal is made of silver and shaped like a circle. It shows a picture of a soldier's bayonet pointing straight up toward the sky. This is a classic symbol of the infantry and represents the strength of the Indian Army.

Home Library IndiaSena Medal

Merit decoration

Sena Medal

An Indian Army decoration awarded for exceptional devotion to duty or courage during military operations.

India Established 1960 ArmyPrecedence: Worn following the Yudh Seva Medal and preceding the Nao Sena Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage in the Indian Army.

Eligibility

Open to all officers, junior commissioned officers, and other ranks of the Indian Army.

Branch

Army

Precedence

Worn following the Yudh Seva Medal and preceding the Nao Sena Medal

Sena Medal, Merit decoration, India medal

History

The Sena Medal was instituted on June 17, 1960, by the President of India. It was founded to reward individual army personnel who performed acts of courage or notable service that might not fit the high bar of the chakra medals. Similar medals were created at the same time for the Navy (Nao Sena Medal) and Air Force (Vayu Sena Medal).

The medal can be awarded for both gallantry under fire and distinguished duty during high-altitude deployments, logistics, and counter-insurgency patrols. A small metal clasp is added to the ribbon if the soldier wins the award a second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Sino-Indian War of 1962Indo-Pakistani War of 1965Indo-Pakistani War of 1971Operation Meghdoot (Siachen)Kargil War of 1999

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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