Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), presented Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards to Naval Personnel on behalf of the Hon’ble President of India at the Naval Investiture Ceremony held for the first time at the newly constructed Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi on 27 Jun 25. Awards were conferred to honour and recognise bravery, leadership, professional achievement and distinguished service of Naval Personnel.
A total of 51 personnel were conferred with awards during the ceremony which included one Yudh Seva Medal, thirteen Nausena Medal (Gallantry), eight Nausena Medal (Devotion to Duty) and seventeen Vishisht Seva Medal.
During the ceremony, CNS also presented the Jeevan Raksha Padak to Shri Dharambir Singh Negi, Ex-PO EL(P) for saving a person from drowning in Hindon Canal on 15 Jul 24; Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Medal for promoting Flight Safety; and Lt VK Jain Memorial Medal for outstanding research in the field of electronics, computers and applied sources.
CNS Trophy for Best Green Practice was awarded to Material Organisation (Vizag) and INS Shivaji in the industrial and non-industrial categories respectively.
The CNS also presented Unit Citations to various units for their outstanding service over the past year. The recipients in the category of Operational Units were INS Shivalik, Trishul, Karna, and Flight Squadron INAS 316. The recipients in the category of shore establishments were INS Satavahana, Rajali, and Tunir.
Speaking on the occasion, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi congratulated the awardees and remarked that this occasion is of special significance, not just as a formal acknowledgement by the Indian Navy of the conspicuous acts of gallantry and devotion to duty of its personnel, but also stands as a powerful symbol of Navy’s enduring spirit, courage under fire, and unwavering commitment to service before self.
The ceremony was witnessed by families of the awardees and senior dignitaries of the Indian Navy.
The ceremony concluded with a Dinner hosted by the Chief of the Naval Staff for the awardees and their families, and a reaffirmation of the Navy’s motto of ‘Safeguarding National Maritime Interests – Anytime-Anywhere’.
