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Gallantry awards
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ASHOKA CHAKRA: INDIA’S HIGHEST PEACETIME MILITARY DECORATION
What is the Ashoka Chakra?
The Ashoka Chakra is India’s highest peacetime military decoration, awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra.
Key facts
Award criteria: The Ashoka Chakra recognises exceptional bravery or self-sacrifice in non-combat situations.
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Recipients: As of 2021, the medal has been awarded to 86 individuals, including 68 posthumous recipients.
Design: The medal features the chakra (wheel) of Ashoka surrounded by a lotus wreath.
History
The Ashoka Chakra was established on January 4, 1952, as the “Ashoka Chakra, Class I”.
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In 1967, the decoration was removed from the class-based system and renamed as the Ashoka Chakra.
Notable aspects
The Ashoka Chakra can be awarded to both military and civilian personnel.
Recipients receive a monthly stipend.
Did you know?
The Ashoka Chakra’s design features a blank centre, intended for engraving details of the award.
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