NEW DELHI, April 18: It was a moment of joy but tinged with sorrow for some at the Defence investiture ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today when President K R Narayanan gave away the medals and scrolls to 59 defence and civilian personnel, including 11 posthumously.Three Kirti Chakras and a Vir Chakra were awarded posthumously while seven of the 21 Shaurya Chakra winners also received it posthumously.
All the Kirti Chakra awardees had fought against militants, with two of them - Major Sukwinder Jeet Singh and Major Padmanabhan Srikumar - recognised for their brave deeds in Kashmir. The other awardee was rifleman Sanjay Sahi for his heroism in Nagaland.
Among the 21 Shaurya Chakra winners, five were civilians with Devender Singh of Indore getting it posthumously.
The other awards were Param Vishisht Seva Medal (13), Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal (one) and Ati vishisht Seva Medal (20).
Among those present at the function were Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes, the threeservice chiefs, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other senior officials.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
