Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari Honoured with Kirti Chakra

A Life of Courage and Sacrifice

A young and committed young officer, Lt. Tiwari was commissioned into the Indian Army on 14 December 2024, after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Serving in his first operational posting with 1 Sikkim Scouts, his dedication was unequivocal.

In late May 2025, while leading a route-clearing patrol in high-altitude North Sikkim, a soldier under his command, Agniveer AV Stephan Subba, slipped and was being swept away in a turbulent glacial stream. Without hesitation, Lt. Tiwari plunged into the icy waters, saved his comrade’s life, but was swept away himself.

Legacy that Lights the Path

Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the Army Service Corps, 1 Sikkim Scouts, has been posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. His courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations.

Lt Shashank Tiwari, a young officer from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, was known for his exceptional bravery and leadership qualities. He laid down his life in the line of duty while saving his comrade, living up to the highest traditions of the Indian Army. His fearless spirit and devotion to his men have made him a true role model for today’s youth who aspire to serve the nation.

The Kirti Chakra is awarded for valor, courageous action, and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. Lt Shashank’s story is not only about his heroism but also about his unshakable faith in the Army’s creed — “The safety, honor and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time.”

Gallantry Awards 2025

On the eve of Independence Day 2025, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu approved 127 Gallantry awards and 40 Distinguished Service awards for the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel. These include:

04 Kirti Chakras
15 Vir Chakras
16 Shaurya Chakras
02 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
06 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
07 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals
09 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
24 Yudh Seva Medals

In addition, 290 Mention-in-Despatches were approved:

115 personnel of the Indian Army
05 personnel of the Indian Navy
167 personnel of the Indian Air Force
03 personnel of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB)

A Legacy of Inspiration

Lt Shashank Tiwari’s name will forever remain etched in the history of Indian bravery. His journey reminds us that true heroes are not defined by the years they live but by the sacrifices they make for others.

As we salute Lt Shashank and other gallantry award winners, their stories of courage encourage every citizen to uphold the values of patriotism, duty, and selflessness.