Home Minister Amit Shah decorates gallant BSF officers

New Delhi. 17 July 2021. In a befitting ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, gallant BSF personnel were awarded with medals and honoured by Amit Shah, Home Minister of India.

Total 23 members of the Force were decorated with medals, in which 12 members were awarded with Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) and 11 members with Police Medals for Meritorious Service (PMMS).

Nityanand Rai, MoS (Home), Ajay Kumar Mishra, MoS (Home), Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Home Secretary, retired DsG/ IsG of BSF, DsG of CAPFs, serving officers from different ministries of Govt. of India and representatives of print and electronic media were in attendance with BSF fraternity today.

The Investiture Ceremony is an occasion marking the deep seated affection and respect for the first Director General of BSF, Padma Vibhushan K F Rustamji. BSF has been organizing the Investiture Ceremony on occasion of the birthday of K F Rustamji since 2003. But this year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Investiture Ceremony was rescheduled to 17th July 2021.

Welcoming the Chief Guest, eminent personalities and all those present at the venue for the occasion, DG BSF Shri Rakesh Asthana first paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the Force who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland at the altar of duty. Emphasizing the constant endeavour of the Force in preparing itself in terms of strategy, infrastructure, weaponry and training, DG BSF referred specifically to the various operational achievements by alert Seema Praharis while thwarting the nefarious designs of Anti-National Elements. The Director General also spoke about the ‘Soldierly traits and Visionary Leadership Skills’ of first Director General, Padma Vibhushan K F Rustamji who is popularly referred to as “Founding Father of BSF”.

Amit Shah decorates gallant BSF officer

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah paid glowing tributes to the brave BSF personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of sacred duty in protecting the nation, along with those who have made the Force and the country proud with their operational performances despite the challenging work conditions. Hon’ble Home Minister also highlighted the exceptional role of BSF in upholding the sovereignty of the Nation by effectively ensuring the sanctity of the International Border as well as various deployment scenarios of Internal Security. Home Minister also delivered the Rustamji Memorial Lecture .