On Independence Day, 16 BSF personnel were awarded gallantry medals for their courage and valor in Operation Sindoor. This operation was conducted in May 2025.
Operation Sindoor: On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, the bravery of the country's valiant soldiers was honored. Sixteen bravehearts of the Border Security Force (BSF) were awarded gallantry medals for the indomitable courage and valor displayed during Operation Sindoor. This honor is not only a recognition of their courage but also a symbol of the nation's unwavering faith in the BSF, the country's first line of defense.
Operation Sindoor: An Exemplary Display of Courage and Strategy
Operation Sindoor was a significant military operation conducted in May 2025. This operation was carried out in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, in which 26 people were killed, most of whom were tourists. Between May 7 and 10, Indian forces targeted terrorist and military bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation inflicted significant damage on the terrorists and thwarted many of their conspiracies.
List of Honored BSF Personnel
This year, the 16 BSF personnel who have been awarded the Gallantry Medal include a Deputy Commandant, two Assistant Commandants, an Inspector, and several other ranks. Their names are as follows.
- Sub Inspector Vyas Dev
- Constable Suddi Rabha
- Abhishek Srivastava, Assistant Commandant
- Constable Bhupendra Bajpai
- Constable Rajan Kumar
- Constable Basavaraj Shivappa Sunkada
- Head Constable Brij Mohan Singh
- Constable Depeshwar Barman
- Inspector Uday Veer Singh
- Ravindra Rathore, Deputy Commandant
- Inspector Devi Lal
- Head Constable Sahib Singh
- Constable Kanwaraj Singh
- ASI Rajappa B T
- Constable Manohar Ksalkso
- Alok Negi, Assistant Commandant
Importance of the Gallantry Medal
The Gallantry Medal is awarded to personnel who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and unique valor while performing their duties. This award is also given for acts involving risk in protecting life and property, preventing crime, or apprehending criminals. Their bravery is assessed in accordance with the concerned officer's responsibilities and duties.
BSF's Role and Responsibility
The BSF is responsible for the security of India's western border, which adjoins Pakistan. This force remains deployed on the country's borders around the clock and faces challenges such as terrorism, infiltration, and smuggling. During Operation Sindoor, the BSF proved its strategic capability and swift action, demonstrating that it is ready to defend the nation in every circumstance.
A Spate of Gallantry and Service Medals on Independence Day
This Independence Day, not only the BSF but also 1,090 personnel from police, fire services, home guards, civil defense, and correctional services across the country were honored. Among these, 233 personnel were awarded the Gallantry Medal, 99 were awarded the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 were awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM).
Number of Awards by Region
Among these 233 gallantry awards, the highest number, 152 personnel, are from the Jammu and Kashmir region, where security forces face terrorism and cross-border challenges. In addition, 54 personnel from Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 3 from the Northeast, and 24 from other regions were honored for their courageous actions.
