New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday conferred two Kirti Chakras and fifteen Shaurya Chakras to armed forces personnel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.
Two Kirti Chakras and two Shaurya Chakras were bestowed posthumously.

The President also conferred 13 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 26 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Kirti Chakras were conferred on Sepoy Vijay Kumar of Indian Army and Constable Pradip Kumar Panda of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) posthumously.
Displaying exceptional bravery and commitment to duty during counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir, both of them made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal was conferred on Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt for successful counter-terrorist operations conducted under him in Jammu and Kashmir.
A teen from Jammu and Kashmir named Irfan Ramzan Sheikh, son of a political activist, was also bestowed with the Shaurya Chakra for foiling an attack by three terrorists on his house in 2017 when he was 14 years old.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Gallantry awards were instituted by the Government of India on 26th January 1950 which were deemed to have effect from the 15th of August 1947. Although awards are announced twice a year -- first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day -- but some of the Gallantry awards along with some other Defence Distinguished Service awards are conferred to the awardees/Next-of-Kins (NoKs) by the President at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held every year at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
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