Himachal’s Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Singh awarded Vir Chakra for Operation Sindoor

On the eve of Independence Day 2025, the nation paused to honor its bravest. President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service medals, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

Among the honorees are the fearless warriors of Operation Sindoor, a daring mission that struck deep into terrorist strongholds in Pakistan. Fighter pilots and ground forces who risked everything to protect the nation now stand tall among India’s decorated heroes.

One such hero is Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Singh, a young pilot from Jakhol village in Jubbal, Shimla. For his role in obliterating terror bases in Bahawalpur and Muridke, he will be awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award. Arshveer is the only officer at his rank to receive this honor for Operation Sindoor.

His story is one of quiet strength and pride. Son of a retired Himachal electricity board employee and a school physical education teacher, Arshveer’s courage has brought honor not just to his family, but to the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.

The list of awards includes:

• 4 Kirti Chakras
• 15 Vir Chakras
• 16 Shaurya Chakras
• 2 Bars to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
• 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 6 Nau Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals
• 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
• 24 Yudh Seva Medals

These honors reflect not just acts of bravery, but stories of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Arshveer on social media, writing:

“Heartfelt congratulations to Flight Lieutenant Arshveer Singh Thakur of Jakhol, Jubbal, Shimla, on being nominated for the Vir Chakra. As one of the heroes of Operation Sindoor, he played a vital role in destroying terrorist bases in Pakistan. Every Himachali is proud of his extraordinary bravery. Salute to Arshveer and all the brave hearts of Operation Sindoor. Jai Hind, Jai Hind Ki Sena.”