Gallantry Award

India's first IRS officer to be awarded the Shaurya Chakra, Captain Pradeep Arya showed immense courage to thwart an infiltration bid by terrorists in Kashmir.

Barely two years after his induction into service he was awarded the Mukhya Mantri Shourya Pathakam.

The Squadron Leader piloted a failed MiG 29 despite an injury, and risked his life in landing the plane safely.

A hero till the end of his days in Amritsar, he built a hospital for the poor and needy after he retired and started studying law at the age of 80!

For three years after joining the Assam Rifles, Gokil saved up every rupee to ensure his siblings got an education.