KD NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, Jan 25:
On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, the President of India has approved a series of prestigious gallantry and service awards for outstanding personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), recognising their exemplary courage, devotion to duty and distinguished service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
The awards, announced ahead of Republic Day celebrations, honour Coast Guard personnel for acts of conspicuous gallantry, exceptional professionalism and unwavering commitment while operating in demanding maritime environments. Their contributions have been critical in maintaining round-the-clock coastal surveillance, protecting India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), preventing smuggling and transnational maritime crime, conducting search and rescue missions, and responding swiftly to maritime disasters, the Indian Coast Guard said in a statement issued TO Kashmir Despatch by its Public Relations Officer, Commandant Amit Uniyal.
The Indian Coast Guard plays a pivotal role in ensuring coastal security across India’s 7,500-km-long coastline, operating an extensive network of ships, aircraft and coastal radar stations. The force works in close coordination with the Indian Navy, coastal police, customs and other maritime agencies to counter threats such as infiltration, illegal fishing, drug trafficking and environmental hazards at sea.
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded for the highest degree of distinguished service, has been conferred upon Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and sustained contributions to strengthening operational preparedness and maritime governance.
Vishisht Seva Medal
The Vishisht Seva Medal, recognising distinguished service of a high order, has been awarded to Deputy Inspector General K.S. Sitaram, acknowledging his professional excellence and operational leadership.
President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service)
The President’s Tatrakshak Medal for Distinguished Service has been awarded to:
Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM
Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM
Both officers were honoured for their exemplary service record and strategic leadership in enhancing maritime safety and security operations.
Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
For acts of exceptional bravery involving the saving of lives at sea, the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak has been awarded to P/Nvk (ME) Saumyanranjan Behera, recognising his courageous efforts during life-saving missions conducted under hazardous conditions.
Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) – Posthumous
In a solemn tribute to supreme sacrifice, the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) – Posthumous has been awarded to:
Late Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana
Late Commandant (JG) Vipin Babu
Late P/Nvk (RP) Karan Singh
These awards honour their extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice, laying down their lives in the line of duty while protecting the nation’s maritime interests.
Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry)
The Tatrakshak Medal for Gallantry has been conferred upon:
Commandant (JG) Shailendra Singh Bisht
P/Nvk (RP) Gautam Yadav
P/Nvk (RP) Banti Kumar
They were recognised for their bravery and decisive action during high-risk maritime operations.
Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)
The Tatrakshak Medal for Meritorious Service has been awarded to:
DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar
DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj
DIG Sudhakar Patil
Commandant Indu P
P/Adh (RO) Tapas Kumar Banerjee
According to PRO Commandant Amit Uniyal, the awardees have consistently demonstrated exceptional courage, professional competence and devotion to duty, particularly in protecting India’s maritime borders, enforcing maritime law, responding to oil spills and environmental threats, and ensuring the safety of fishermen and seafarers.
As the nation celebrates the 77th Republic Day, these honours serve as a tribute to the dedication, professionalism and selfless service of Indian Coast Guard personnel, whose continuous vigilance plays a crucial role in upholding India’s sovereignty, security and maritime integrity.
On behalf of the Indian Coast Guard, Commandant Amit Uniyal, Public Relations Officer, extended heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and expressed gratitude for their continued service to the nation.
