Now, parents to accompany next of kin for posthumous gallantry awards

In a new initiative as a mark of respect to the parents of posthumous gallantry award recipients, the mother or father will now on accompany the next of kin, usually the spouse, for receiving the award.

As President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday presented 14 gallantry awards, with two Kirti Chakra and four Shaurya Chakras being conferred posthumously, the new system in place.

Monalisha Borah Koch, widow of posthumous Kirti Chakra awardee, constable Gautam Koch of Assam Police Armed Branch was accompanied by his mother Putuli Koch when she walked to President Mukherjee to receive the award.

Similarly, Nisha Devi, the widow of Kirti Chakra winner Naib Subedar Rajesh Kumar of the Rashtriya Rifles, was accompanied by his father Rup Chand and posthumous Shaurya Chakra awardee, sepoy Dharma Ram's medal was received by his widow Timu Devi mother Amru Devi.

A total of 42 distinguished service awards, including 13 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam Yuddh Seva Medals, two Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and 25 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, which were announced on Republic Day, 2016 were also conferred during the function.

--IANS

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