Watch: President Murmu comforts martyr’s mother at Kirti Chakra ceremony

At the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, President Droupadi Murmu shared an emotional moment with the family of Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

When his name was called, his mother walked up to receive the medal on his behalf. She broke down in tears on the stage. President Murmu stepped forward, held her hands, and comforted her. The gesture moved everyone present, including senior military officers, ministers, and families of other awardees.

The official citation said: “Displaying exceptional courage and absolute devotion to duty, Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar eliminated two hardcore terrorists at close range before laying down his life. His supreme sacrifice in the face of grave danger will forever inspire generations.”

Sepoy Prabhakar served with the 1st Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles and belonged to the Mahar Regiment. He was martyred on July 6, 2024, during an anti-terror operation in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

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Acting on intelligence about terrorists hiding in the area and reports of civilians being held hostage, his unit launched an operation. During the gunfight, he showed great bravery and moved forward under heavy fire. He managed to kill one terrorist at close range.

As the situation became more intense, he also shielded a civilian with his body and continued fighting even after being seriously injured. His actions helped the security forces eliminate another terrorist and rescue the civilian before he died.

At the ceremony, President Murmu also awarded seven Kirti Chakras (two posthumously), 15 Vir Chakras, and 29 Shaurya Chakras.

Among other awardees was Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who is also an astronaut-designate for India’s Gaganyaan mission. Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Sikkim Scouts was also posthumously honoured for bravery in high-altitude operations.