Nation Salutes Maharashtra’s Braveheart Praveen Janjal With Posthumous Kirti Chakra, Mother Breaks Down During Ceremony
Nation Salutes Maharashtra’s Braveheart Praveen Janjal With Posthumous Kirti Chakra, Mother Breaks Down During Ceremony
New Delhi, June 9: Maharashtra’s brave son, Praveen Prabhakar Janjal, who laid down his life in the line of duty while fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir last year, was posthumously awarded the prestigious Kirti Chakra on Monday. The gallantry award was presented during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
As the citation detailing the young soldier’s extraordinary courage was read out, the atmosphere in the hall turned emotional. Praveen’s mother, Shalu Janjal, and his wife, Shyambala Janjal, stepped forward to receive the honour on his behalf. Overcome with emotion while listening to the account of her 24-year-old son’s bravery, Shalu Janjal broke down in tears.
The poignant moment moved everyone present at the ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu personally comforted the grieving mother with a warm embrace, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was visibly moved by the scene.
Praveen Janjal was serving with the 1st Battalion of the Mahar Regiment under the Rashtriya Rifles. On July 6, 2024, during a search operation in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, he was among the first to detect suspicious terrorist movement and immediately alerted his fellow soldiers.
As security forces closed in, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to escape. Displaying exceptional courage and determination, Janjal engaged the terrorists and successfully neutralised two of them. During the fierce encounter, he sustained a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to excessive blood loss.
In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, the Government of India conferred the Kirti Chakra, one of the country’s highest peacetime gallantry awards, on the fallen soldier. The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces and the enduring strength of their families.
