Kirti Chakra in 10 Lines: Facts About India's Peacetime Gallantry Medal
This work has been verified by our teacher: 17.01.2026 at 12:30
Type of homework: Essay Writing
Added: 17.01.2026 at 12:00
Summary:
Learn 10 lines on Kirti Chakra: simple facts about India's peacetime gallantry medal, its history, eligibility, ceremony and significance for primary students.
10 Lines on Kirti Chakra
The Kirti Chakra is among India’s highest honours, awarded to those who display outstanding courage when the nation is at peace. Crafted after Independence, it shines as a symbol of fearless action unconnected to combat on the battlefield. Whether a soldier, police constable, paramilitary member, or an everyday citizen, anyone whose response to danger rises above expectation may be granted this distinguished medal. The award recognises heroic deeds such as saving lives from disaster, facing down terrorists, or sacrificing one’s own safety for others – always when there is no declared war. Conferred by the President of India in a formal function typically held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, its presentation is conducted with integral ceremony and dignity. The decoration itself is a gleaming circular silver medal featuring the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, and it hangs from a green ribbon uniquely divided by orange lines. In the hierarchy of bravery awards, the Kirti Chakra is second only to the Ashoka Chakra for peacetime gallantry, mirroring the prestige of the Maha Vir Chakra which is awarded during wartime. Deserving individuals can receive it more than once (indicated by a bar added to their medal), and it can be conferred posthumously if the act of valour led to the ultimate sacrifice. Over the decades, hundreds have been honoured, with recipients’ families benefiting from pensions and recognition by both the Government of India and individual states. Ultimately, the Kirti Chakra remains not merely a piece of metal but a beacon – immortalising the spirit of fearless Indians whose sense of duty and humanity strengthen the nation in silent, uncelebrated moments.---
Expanded Version With Explanation and Indian Context
1. Kirti Chakra: Symbol of Peacetime Gallantry
The Kirti Chakra is recognised across our nation as a symbol of extraordinary bravery at times when India is not engaged in open warfare. While many are familiar with the Ashoka Chakra or the Param Vir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra stands as a significant reminder that heroism is needed beyond the borders, within our own communities and during emergencies that threaten daily life. This gallantry decoration is not just a medal, but a statement that the nation honours courage no matter when or where it arises.2. Institution and Historical Background
Established in 1952, soon after India knotted its own system of Gallantry awards, the Kirti Chakra was originally named the “Ashoka Chakra, Class II”. It came as part of India’s efforts to create indigenous honours reflecting the values and spirit of our people, especially as the newly independent republic carved out a new system of recognition, moving away from colonial legacies. Later, in 1967, it was renamed "Kirti Chakra" to assert its distinct national identity.3. Who Can Receive the Kirti Chakra?
An important feature of this award is its reach across boundaries of service and identity. Eligible recipients include not only members of the Army, Navy and Air Force, but also the Central Armed Police Forces, state police personnel, and everyday civilians. Acts of gallantry are not confined to the battlefield; they can include a railway worker saving passengers during an accident, or a policewoman facing fidayeen fighters in Kashmir. This inclusive aspect reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that bravery belongs to all corners of society.4. The Nature of Bravery Honoured
The Kirti Chakra specifically honours those who have performed exceptional acts of valour in situations where there is no declared war. For instance, it could be a fireman rescuing children from a blazing building, a jawan neutralising a live bomb in a crowded market, or someone foiling a terrorist attack at great personal risk. The narrative of the Kirti Chakra is filled with stories of officers and civilians who put the welfare of others before themselves during floods, riots or dangerous operations.5. Ceremony and Presentation
The prestige of the Kirti Chakra is matched by the solemnity of its bestowal. It is presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, often during the grand Investiture Ceremony attended by the honouree’s family and military dignitaries. The event is covered in the media and the names of awardees are published in The Gazette of India. Sometimes, posthumous awards are received by bereaved families, who attend in the memory of their loved one.6. Physical Description: Medal and Ribbon
The medal is crafted in silver – a circular disk displaying the Ashoka Chakra, surrounded by a lotus wreath. The motif is a nod to India's ancient heritage and the ideals of righteous action. Attached to the medal is a green silk ribbon, distinctive due to its two narrow central orange bands: a colour combination that signifies bravery, energy, and dedication to peace.7. Precedence and Wartime Counterpart
In the order of precedence, the Kirti Chakra is second only to the Ashoka Chakra among peacetime gallantry awards. It is often described as the peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra, which is awarded for outstanding bravery in the face of the enemy during war. This comparison is frequently cited in textbooks and competitive exams to help students remember the stratification of India’s honours.8. Multiple Awards and Posthumous Honours
The same person can be honoured with the Kirti Chakra more than once – each additional award is marked by a bar on the medal’s ribbon. Importantly, acts of bravery that result in the loss of the individual’s life are also eligible, making posthumous recognition a significant component of this award. There are many poignant citations where a soldier or police officer is remembered for selfless sacrifice.9. Recipients, Numbers, and Benefits
Since its inception, several hundred individuals have been conferred the Kirti Chakra. Famous recipients include Major Mohit Sharma (posthumously, 2009) and Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma (posthumously, 2009), both recognised for counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi, respectively. Awardees or their families often receive financial grants, government jobs, or educational concessions, though these may vary by state and over time.10. Significance and Moral Value
Ultimately, the real significance of the Kirti Chakra lies in its power to inspire. By publicly honouring those who confront danger for the greater good outside the glare of war, the nation sends out a message: courageous deeds, big or small, define the backbone of a healthy society. The Kirti Chakra is a permanent reminder that extraordinary individuals walk among us, quietly upholding the highest Indian ideals of sacrifice and service.---
Conclusion
In summary, the Kirti Chakra is not merely an award but a celebration of extraordinary valour displayed by Indians in the face of grave danger during peace. It serves as a national tribute to heroes who uphold the legacy of courage, echoing the epic tales from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata where common men and women performed acts of immense bravery for dharma. For students, learning about the Kirti Chakra is not only part of civics but also a lesson in moral courage, dedication, and serving society selflessly – values that are as essential today as they were in our ancient past.Sample questions
The answers have been prepared by our teacher
What is the Kirti Chakra in 10 lines for students?
The Kirti Chakra is India's second highest peacetime gallantry medal, awarded for exceptional bravery in non-war situations. Recipients include military personnel, police, and civilians who show courage to protect others.
Who can receive the Kirti Chakra gallantry medal in India?
The Kirti Chakra can be awarded to soldiers, police, paramilitary members, and civilians. It recognises any individual's courageous actions during peacetime, regardless of their profession.
What is the difference between Kirti Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra?
The Kirti Chakra is awarded for bravery in peacetime, while the Maha Vir Chakra is given for outstanding courage during wartime. Both hold high prestige in India's gallantry award hierarchy.
How is the Kirti Chakra presented and by whom?
The President of India presents the Kirti Chakra at the Rashtrapati Bhavan during a formal ceremony. Awardees or their families are honoured publicly with respect and recognition.
What is the physical appearance of the Kirti Chakra medal?
The Kirti Chakra medal is a circular silver disk featuring the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath, and is attached to a green ribbon with two orange stripes.
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