- Indian Air Force Officer Abhinandan Varthaman will be awarded with Vir Chakra on 15th August (Independence Day).
- Wing Commander Abhinandan (age 36 years) was held captive for 60 hours in Pakistan after his aircraft (MiG-21) was shot down in aerial combat between Indian and Pakistani Air Forces on 27th February 2019.
- The Vir Chakra is the third-highest Indian gallantry award presented for acts of bravery on the battlefield, after the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.
- In another category, Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal will be honored with Yudh Seva Medal, and Indian Army- Prakash Jadhav of 1 Rashtriya Rifles (Mahar) will also be awarded with Kirti Chakra (posthumously).
Published On : 14 Aug 2019
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