Regiments with the Highest Gallantry Awards in India
-Devika J
India is considered a land of courage and sacrifice. Its soldiers have seen innumerable instances of distinguished acts of valour. Over a number of decades, from the frozen Himalayan peaks to the desert sands of Rajasthan, the Indian Army has remained steadfast as would a stationary wall, with a determination to safeguard citizens of the nation at all costs. Some regiments in this great army have created a niche for themselves by securing the highest awards of gallantry for their unconquerable spirit and matchless courage as they have made their very existence a testimonial to their readiness to spill their blood for the motherland.
What Are Gallantry Awards?
Gallantry awards in India are for bravery shown in the face of the enemy (wartime) and into peacetime. The highest wartime gallantry awards are:
- Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – The highest military decoration in India
- Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second highest gallantry award
- Vir Chakra (VrC) – Third highest award
The brave are honored in peacetime with:
- Ashoka Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
- The Sikh Regiment
The Most Decorated Regiment The Sikh Regiment is the most-decorated regiment of the Indian Army. Raised in 1846, it boasts a history of nearly 175 years of valour.
- Param Vir Chakra: 2 recipients
- Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra: Dozens
- Participated-wars: 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971, and Kargil.
During the Kargil War, the Sikh Regiment soldiers ascended the vertical Himalayan cliffs under enemy fire and recaptured Indian territory. The unparalleled valor displayed at Tiger Hill and Tololing stunned even the enemy. For them, death in battle is an honor and never a fear.
- The Gorkha Rifles
Warriors with a Smile If there is one regiment that exemplifies fierce loyalty and humility, it is the Gorkha Rifles. “Better to die than to be a coward” is not merely a motto-it is the way of life.
- Well decorated with Vir Chakras, Maha Vir Chakras, and Ashoka Chakras.
- Raised in 1800, their exploits during the two World Wars, 1962 Sino-Indian War, and Kargil War are legendary.
During the Kargil conflict, Gorkha troops fought through harsh heights and unfriendly terrain to eliminate heavily defended adversary positions. During one of the audacious operations, a young man was injured but insisted on moving forward with his team, manifesting the regiment’s motto—’Better to die than to be a coward.
- The Grenadiers
House of the Youngest Param Vir Chakra Hero The Grenadiers Regiment has created one of the most famous heroes in modern Indian history—Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, who was just 19 when he climbed a vertical cliff under heavy gunfire in the Kargil War and aided in the capture of Tiger Hill.
- 2 Param Vir Chakras, including Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid for his war heroics in 1965.
- High number of Vir and Maha Vir Chakras.
Yogendra Yadav was shot repeatedly but kept climbing to help his team succeed; his will power changed the course of the war, inspiring an entire generation.
- Punjab Regiment
Legacy of Lionhearts The Punjab Regiment, among the oldest of its kind in the world, was raised in 1761. Its men fought with distinction in World War II and every major conflict India has witnessed since.
- Scores of Vir Chakras, Maha Vir Chakras, and several Ashok Chakras.
- Known for extreme endurance and loyalty.
An eighteen-year-old sepoy from Punjab Regiment, in the 1971 war, pulled a wounded officer out of a minefield at the cost of his own life while under continuous shelling by the enemy. The sepoy did not survive but his act of bravery has been remembered through generations.
- The Parachute Regiment Para and Para SF
Daredevils in Uniform. The Parachute Regiment, chiefly the Para SF, is India’s foremost aggressive unit. Trained for surgical strikes, hostage rescue, and cross-border operations, they go right behind enemy lines with complete precision.
- Who were decorated with several Ashok Chakras, Kirti Chakras, and Shaurya Chakras.
- Played pivotal roles in:
- 1971 Bangladesh Liberation
- Operation Bluestar
- 2016 Surgical Strikes
Major Mohit Sharma, an officer of Para SF, entered a terror hideout in Kashmir by disguising himself as a militant. He killed numerous terrorists but was eventually shot dead and awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously.
- Rajputana Rifles
44th Oldest Rifle Regiment in India The oldest rifle regiment of the Indian Army, Rajputana Rifles, was formed in 1775, and so has had an incomparable legacy.
- Decorated in:
- World Wars
- 1947 Indo-Pak war
- Kargil War (1999)
- Several Vir Chakras and Maha Vir Chakras.
The Rajputana Rifles attained high fame for their gallantry at Point 4875 (Kargil), where soldiers fought in close combat in sub-zero temperatures without retreat, even when short on ammo and rations.
- Jat Regiment
Courage Beyond Limits The Jat Regiment, which is known for physical strength and discipline, has been a leading contributor to most wars ever since independence.
- Several MVCs, Vir Chakras, and Shaurya Chakra awardees.
- Recalled for vicious battles in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.
A Jat Regiment company, 5 to 1 outnumbered, remained firm for 48 hours in the 1965 war, never yielding their position despite no reinforcements. That determination altered the tide of the battle.
- Maratha Light Infantry
Deccan Warriors With origins dating to the 18th century, the Maratha Light Infantry is renowned for quick thinking and tactical acumen.
- Decorated in the World Wars and Kargil.
- Awarded multiple Vir Chakras and MVCs.
In Ladakh operations at high altitudes, Maratha Light Infantry troops have frequently worked in temperatures as low as -20°C. Even under adverse weather and sniper conditions, their lines of supply were sustained with unparalleled discipline and audacity—a reflection of their staying power.
- Dogra Regiment
Silent Guardians The Dogra Regiment, consisting of rugged men from the Himalayan belt, is renowned for discipline and spiritual power.
- Participated in all the big wars and earned several gallantry awards, including Shaurya Chakra.
- Forged ahead with high-altitude and counter-insurgency operations.
In many counter-insurgency missions, Dogra Regiment commanders have led from the front, making life-threatening choices to safeguard their men. Their battlefield judgment in thick forests and high mountains speaks volumes about a combination of discipline and religious courage that best describes their legacy.
- Kumaon Regiment
The Rezang La Heroes The Kumaon Regiment is forever inscribed in Indian memory for the Battle of Rezang La (1962 Sino-Indian War) in which 114 out of 120 soldiers sacrificed themselves fighting for their post.
- Param Vir Chakra: Major Shaitan Singh (posthumously)
- The regiment remains operational with distinction in all environments.
Rezang La was a fight where soldiers preferred to die rather than surrender. Having no food, no water, and confronted by a Chinese army of thousands, the 13 Kumaon battalion fought until their last bullet was shot. Frozen bodies were seen with rifles still clutched in their hands.
Conclusion
Gallantry isn’t medals, it’s tales that move the heart. These regiments, tempered in fire and held together with honor, tell us that freedom isn’t free freedom is paid for in blood, sweat, and tears.
The legacy of these men transcends war memorials and the annals of history. It continues in each salute, each national anthem sung proudly, and each child growing up with dreams of the uniform.
As India grows and changes, the valour of these regiments shall remain a guiding light, pointing generations along the paths of courage, honour, and unshakeable love for the country.
