Lt Commander Suraj Prashar Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Bravery in Jammu & Kashmir

Key Facts

• Award: Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award
• Recipient: Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar
• Date of Award Ceremony: 8 June 2026
• Presented By: President Droupadi Murmu
• Operation: Operation Chuntawadi
• Operation Dates: Night of 5th to 6th November 2024
• Location: Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Unit: Indian Navy's Marine Commando Force (MARCOS)
• Operation Objective: Joint cordon and search operation to neutralise terrorist threats

Background & Context

The Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from direct combat. It ranks below the Kirti Chakra and above the Sena, Nao Sena, and Vayu Sena Medals among peacetime gallantry awards. It can be awarded to military personnel, police, and civilians alike. The award was instituted in 1952 and renamed as Shaurya Chakra in 1967.

Operation Chuntawadi was a coordinated security operation launched by Indian forces in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on 5-6 November 2024, targeting terrorist presence in the region. The operation involved joint efforts of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and specialized units, including the Navy’s MARCOS.

The Marine Commando Force, commonly known as MARCOS, is the Indian Navy's special forces unit, raised in February 1987. MARCOS are trained for amphibious warfare, maritime operations, counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and are capable of operating in diverse terrains such as sea, air, and land. They have been actively engaged in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations within Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.

The Defence Investiture Ceremony is an official function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, during which the President of India confers gallantry and distinguished service awards to personnel of the Indian Armed Forces. The 2026 (Phase-I) ceremony was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu along with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister of India.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This subject is significant in the context of general knowledge and current affairs portions of competitive exams in India, particularly those related to Indian defense, gallantry awards, and national security. Key points include understanding the hierarchy and criteria of Indian gallantry awards, recent recipients and notable military operations, and roles of special forces such as MARCOS. Additionally, awareness of the Defence Investiture Ceremony and the President’s role in awarding gallantry honors is important.

Points to Remember

• The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded to civilians and military personnel for bravery, valor, or self-sacrifice away from direct combat.
• Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar of the Indian Navy received the Shaurya Chakra for gallantry during Operation Chuntawadi in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir on 5-6 November 2024.
• Operation Chuntawadi was a joint cordon and search operation aimed at eliminating terrorist threats in Bandipora district.
• MARCOS (Marine Commandos) is the Indian Navy's elite special forces unit established in 1987, skilled in maritime special operations and counter-terrorism.
• The Defence Investiture Ceremony is held at Rashtrapati Bhavan to honor gallantry award recipients; the 2026 ceremony was presided over by President Droupadi Murmu.