New Delhi, January 25:
On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the President of India has approved a series of prestigious gallantry and service awards for personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), recognizing their exemplary courage, exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
The awards honour Coast Guard personnel for acts of conspicuous gallantry, lifesaving efforts, and meritorious service, reflecting their critical role in ensuring the safety and security of India’s vast maritime boundaries.
Among the awardees, Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM has been conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptional order. The Vishisht Seva Medal has been awarded to Deputy Inspector General K S Sitaram for his notable contributions to the service.
The Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, awarded for meritorious acts of humane nature in saving lives, has been conferred on P/Nvk (ME) Saumyaranjan Behera.
For distinguished service, the President’s Tatrakshak Medal has been awarded to Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM, and Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, TM.
In recognition of supreme sacrifice, the Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) has been awarded posthumously to Late Commandant Rakesh Kumar Rana, Late Commandant (JG) Vipin Babu, and Late P/Nvk (RP) Karan Singh.
The Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) has also been conferred on Commandant (JG) Shailendra Singh Bisht, P/Nvk (RP) Gautam Yadav, and P/Nvk (RP) Banti Kumar for displaying exceptional bravery in the line of duty.
Additionally, the Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) has been awarded to DIG Vinod Kumar Parmar, DIG Arun Kumar Bhardwaj, DIG Sudhakar Patil, Commandant Indu P, and P/Adh (RO) Tapas Kumar Banerjee.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the awardees have demonstrated outstanding professionalism, courage and commitment while performing demanding operational roles, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, and emergency response at sea.
As the nation marks the 77th Republic Day, these honours stand as a tribute to the selfless service and dedication of Indian Coast Guard personnel, whose efforts continue to strengthen India’s maritime security and uphold the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
