New Delhi: Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, awarded bravery medals to soldiers on Saturday in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the nation’s defence.
Addressing the ceremony in New Delhi, Lieutenant General Katiyar highlighted the recent operational achievements, including Operation Sindur, which showcased the Western Command’s readiness and professional excellence. He congratulated the awardees, stating that their courage and dedication serve as an inspiration to the entire Indian Army.
Bravery on the Frontline
Rifleman Najum Ud Deen Khan, honoured with the Sena Medal for his role in Operation Sindur, recalled, “During the operation, I was deployed with my battalion at the border. On that day, enemy drones attempted to attack our post. I successfully targeted and destroyed those drones in time. Receiving the Sena Medal for this act of bravery is a great honour.”
Family Voices of Courage and Pride
The wife of a soldier honoured posthumously with the Sena Medal expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thank everyone for this recognition. I believe it is better to do something meaningful in life, especially for the country, rather than nothing at all. My husband made the ultimate sacrifice, but we will not depend on anyone or seek help from others. Families of those who serve in the army receive good support.”
Another widow of a fallen soldier, Mohit, shared, “Mohit dreamed of joining the army since childhood. He was deeply dedicated and never spoke negatively about the service. We talked late at night, and he promised to speak again the next morning. But the next day, we learned he was no longer with us. We feel proud of his honour, though it would have been better if he had received it himself.”
Major Shivank Pathak’s wife described the award ceremony as a proud moment for her and her entire family. “This award recognises bravery, something few receive. Of course, there is fear, but there is also courage within us. We always trust that everything will be fine and have faith in God,” she said.
Operational Excellence Highlighted
Major Shivank Pathak, who received the Sena Medal for bravery, recounted his deployment in the Uri sector with the National Rifles RTU battalion in 2024. “In October, we received reliable intelligence about around five active terrorist patrols across the Line of Control. Several terrorists planned to cross the border before dawn. Based on actionable intelligence, we observed two individuals at night, tracked them, and neutralised one terrorist. Within 72 hours, we eliminated another,” he said.
The Western Command’s decoration ceremony of 2026 was a solemn occasion, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers dedicated to the nation’s security.
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