Understanding Indian Gallantry Awards Post-Independence

India has a system of gallantry awards to honour the bravery and sacrifice of its armed forces personnel and civilians. These awards are broadly categorized based on whether the act of gallantry is in the face of the enemy or otherwise.

Analysis of Statement 1: Institution Date of First Gallantry Awards

Statement 1 says: Post-independence, first three gallantry awards were instituted on 26th January, 1950.

• After India gained independence, the need arose to replace the British system of awards.
• The first set of gallantry awards for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy were instituted on 26th January 1950.
• These awards were deemed to have been in effect from 15th August 1947.
• The awards instituted on this date were the Param Vir Chakra, the Maha Vir Chakra, and the Vir Chakra.

Based on historical records, Statement 1 is correct.

Analysis of Statement 2: Names of First Three Gallantry Awards

Statement 2 says: The first three gallantry awards were Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II and Ashoka Chakra Class-III.

• While the Ashoka Chakra series awards are also gallantry awards, they were instituted later than the Param Vir Chakra series.
• The Ashoka Chakra Class-I, Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and Ashoka Chakra Class-III (later renamed Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra respectively) were instituted on 4th January 1952.
• These awards are given for gallantry displayed other than in the face of the enemy.
• As established in the analysis of Statement 1, the first three post-independence gallantry awards instituted were the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, instituted on 26th January 1950.

Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect as it names the Ashoka Chakra series, which were instituted later and for different circumstances than the first three gallantry awards (PVC, MVC, VrC).

Summary of Statements

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, only Statement 1 is correct, while Statement 2 is incorrect.