Marking Independence Day 2025, the Government of India has honoured 1,090 personnel from the police, fire services, Home Guard and Civil Defence (HG&CD), and Correctional Services with Gallantry and Service Medals for exemplary courage, dedication, and service to the nation.
The awards include 233 Medals for Gallantry (GM), 99 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), and 758 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM).
The Medal for Gallantry recognises rare and conspicuous acts of bravery—such as saving lives, protecting property, preventing crime, or apprehending criminals—often in the face of grave risk. Of the 233 gallantry awards, 152 recipients are from Jammu and Kashmir, 54 from Left Wing Extremism-affected regions, three from the North-East, and 24 from other parts of the country. These awardees include 226 police personnel, six from Fire Services, and one from Home Guard & Civil Defence.
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service honours an outstanding and special record in service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded for resourcefulness and devotion to duty. Of the 99 PSM recipients, 89 are from Police Services, five from Fire Services, three from Civil Defence and Home Guard, and two from Correctional Services. The 758 MSM awardees include 635 from Police Services, 51 from Fire Services, 41 from Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 31 from Correctional Services.
These honours reflect the nation’s gratitude to those who risk their lives and work tirelessly to maintain peace, protect citizens, and uphold the rule of law.
India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi.
