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What does Vir Chakra mean?

The name comes from the Sanskrit language. It translates to the Wheel of the Brave. This name was chosen to honor soldiers who show great spirit while fighting for India.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is a circle made of silver. It features a five-pointed star in the middle. Inside that star, you will see the national emblem of India.

What colors are on the Vir Chakra ribbon?

The ribbon is split into two equal parts. One half is dark blue, and the other half is saffron orange. These colors help people identify the medal when it is worn on a uniform.

Can it be awarded in dogfights in the air?

Yes, it is given to heroes in the air as well as on the ground. Many Indian Air Force pilots have earned this award after dangerous fights in the sky. It recognizes their skill and bravery during high-speed air combat.

Can someone receive a second Vir Chakra?

Yes, it is possible for a person to earn this honor more than once. If a soldier performs another act of great bravery, they receive a bar. This metal bar is attached to the ribbon of their first medal.

What does Vir Chakra mean?

The name comes from the Sanskrit language. It translates to the Wheel of the Brave. This name was chosen to honor soldiers who show great spirit while fighting for India.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is a circle made of silver. It features a five-pointed star in the middle. Inside that star, you will see the national emblem of India.

What colors are on the Vir Chakra ribbon?

The ribbon is split into two equal parts. One half is dark blue, and the other half is saffron orange. These colors help people identify the medal when it is worn on a uniform.

Can it be awarded in dogfights in the air?

Yes, it is given to heroes in the air as well as on the ground. Many Indian Air Force pilots have earned this award after dangerous fights in the sky. It recognizes their skill and bravery during high-speed air combat.

Can someone receive a second Vir Chakra?

Yes, it is possible for a person to earn this honor more than once. If a soldier performs another act of great bravery, they receive a bar. This metal bar is attached to the ribbon of their first medal.

Home Library IndiaVir Chakra

Valor decoration

Vir Chakra

India's third-highest wartime medal for battlefield courage and acts of gallantry against the enemy.

India Established 1950 All servicesPrecedence: 5th in military precedence (following Kirti Chakra)

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea, or in the air.

Eligibility

Open to all officers and enlisted men and women of the Indian Armed Forces and territorial reserve forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

5th in military precedence (following Kirti Chakra)

Vir Chakra, Valor decoration, India medal

History

The Vir Chakra was instituted on January 26, 1950, alongside the Param Vir and Maha Vir Chakras. It replaced earlier British-era gallantry awards like the Military Cross and the Indian Distinguished Service Medal. The award allowed India to honor soldiers, sailors, and airmen of all ranks who showed courage under fire.

The medal has been awarded widely in major conflicts with neighboring forces and during peacekeeping patrols. In recent times, it has honored daring jet fighter pilots and infantrymen defending border outposts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948Sino-Indian War of 1962Indo-Pakistani War of 1965Indo-Pakistani War of 1971Kargil 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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