Ashok Chakra for three brave sons of India

Colonel Vasanth V, Captain Harshan R, and Naib Subedar Chuni are those who are chosen to be bestowed with Ashok Chakra, a military decoration posthumously by the President of India on Republic Day. The award is bestowed on “most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice”. The medal was originally established on 4 January 1952.

Col Vasanth V of 9 Maratha Light Infantry sacrificed his life while leading an operation to weed out militants near Uri Town in Jammu and Kashmir. He hailed from Karnataka. His wife Suhasini will receive the award on behalf of her husband as well as proud son of India.

This gallant officer from Kerala was no ordinary man; yes Captain Harshan R. succumbed to a bullet shot while encountering terrorist belonging to Hijbul Mujahiddin group in Lolab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. K Radhakrishnan Nair, the father of this brave officer will receive the award.

Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, who received Vir Chakra and Sena Medal for gallantry in earlier operations, was born at Bhaderwah in 1968. He laid down his life while encountering the terrorist who infiltrated in Kupwara Sector of Jammu and Kashmir. He was also conferred with Sena Medal and Vir Chakra for his bravery; he served as special member of India in United nation Peace keeping force in Somalia and Sudan. His wife Chintha Devi will receive the award conferred to her husband.

These three officers while serving true to their spirit sacrificed their life for nations’ safety. The whole nation will queue up with gratitude in honouring the brave sons of the soil for their act of gallantry on this Republic Day.