Republic Day 2021: Mahavir Chakra Likely To Be Posthumously Awarded to Galwan Valley Hero Colonel Santosh Babu on Gantantra Diwas

New Delhi, January 25: Acknowledging the valour of Col Santosh Babu, who lost his life in a fight with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley clash, the government is likely to award him posthumously with the second-highest wartime gallantry medal Mahavir Chakra on the Republic Day this year.

"Col Babu is likely to be awarded the Mahavir Chakra posthumously on this Republic Day," government sources told ANI. The Indian Army top brass recommended that soldiers who took on Chinese troops in the Galwan valley clash should be awarded the war-time chakra series awards at this Republic Day. Names of 20 Indian Army Personnel, Martyred in Galwan Valley, Inscribed on National War Memorial Ahead of Republic Day 2021.

The long list of personnel recommended for the gallantry awards at this Republic Day included the 16 Bihar Commanding Officer Colonel Santosh Babu who lost his life in the clash.

The top Army brass has recommend these brave personnel for wartime gallantry awards. The wartime Chakra series awards include highest Paramvir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra and Vir Chakra. The peacetime highest gallantry awards include Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.

The Galwan valley clash took place on June 15 last year when Indian troops led by Colonel Babu took on the Chinese troops near the patrolling point 14 area.

India lost 20 troops in the fiercest clash between the two sides in a long time while the Chinese also suffered significant casualties. The clash led to hardening of India's stand, which has now allowed troops to use weapons during patrolling after the use of unorthodox weapons by Chinese troops.