Republic Day 2026: Gallantry Award Recipients Announced Across The Country

A day before Republic Day celebrations, the Centre announced the list of officers and personnel selected for prestigious gallantry and service medals across the country. Madhya Pradesh emerged as a key contributor to this year’s honours list, with several police officers receiving national recognition for their commitment, professionalism and years of public service. The awards, announced annually ahead of Republic Day, acknowledge outstanding contributions towards maintaining law and order, leadership in policing, and safeguarding citizens.

State Officers Honoured For Distinguished Service

Madhya Pradesh received notable recognition with four senior officers being conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service . This honour is awarded to personnel who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and sustained dedication over the course of their careers.

The recipients include Santosh Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Police; Mithelesh Kumar Shukla, Inspector General; Awadhesh Kumar Goswami, Deputy Inspector General; and Shiv Kumar Patel, Inspector. Each of these officers has played a significant role in strengthening policing systems, improving public safety, and guiding teams through complex law and order challenges.

Their selection reflects years of service marked by discipline, responsibility and a strong commitment to community protection.

Meritorious Service Medal Highlights Depth Of Talent

In addition to the top honours, 17 personnel from the Madhya Pradesh Police were awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service . This recognition spans a wide range of ranks, underlining the depth of dedication and operational strength within the state’s police force.

The awardees include senior officials such as Inspector General Krishnaveni Desavatu, along with several Superintendents of Police, inspectors, deputy superintendents, sub inspectors, assistant sub inspectors, head constables and constables. Officers from specialised units and administrative roles were also acknowledged, highlighting contributions across field operations, leadership, and internal support systems.

This diverse list demonstrates that excellence in policing is recognised at every level, from strategic planning to ground-level execution.

National Recognition Across Services

This year, a total of 982 personnel from police, fire services, home guards, civil defence and correctional services across India were selected for gallantry and service medals. These awards are announced twice every year, on Republic Day and Independence Day, to honour acts of bravery, distinguished leadership and consistent meritorious service.

The recognition of officers from Madhya Pradesh places the state among those making a significant contribution to national security and public order. It also reinforces the importance of disciplined service in ensuring stability and safety in everyday civic life.

Pride For The State And Police Force

The honours awarded to Madhya Pradesh Police officers have been widely seen as a moment of pride for the state. They reflect a strong institutional culture rooted in professionalism, accountability and public trust. Such recognition not only celebrates individual achievements but also motivates the wider force to uphold high standards of service.

As the nation prepares to mark Republic Day, these awards serve as a reminder that the strength of democracy rests on the dedication of those entrusted with protecting it. The recognition of Madhya Pradesh’s officers stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to duty and the values they serve.