The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. Shaurya Chakra is an Indian military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. Moreover, it may be awarded to civilians as well as military personnel. This is awarded for Counter-Insurgency operations and actions against the enemy during peace-time. Moreover, this is the peacetime equivalent of the Vir Chakra. This is third in order of precedence of peacetime Gallantry Awards. It comes after the Ashoka Chakra and the Kirti Chakra and precedes the Sena Medal. The award was known as Ashoka Chakra, Class III before 1967
Following categories of persons are eligible for the Shaurya Chakra:
a. Officers and men and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and of any other lawfully constituted forces.
b. Members of the Nursing Services of the Armed Forces.
c. Civilian citizens of either sex in all walks of life and members of Police Forces including Central Para-Military Forces and Railway Protection Force.
Medal: Circular in shape and made of bronze, one and three-eighth inches in diameter, with rims on both sides. On the obverse of the medal shall be embossed a replica of Ashoka’s Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. Along the rim, on the inner side, shall be a pattern of lotus leaves, flowers and buds. On its reverse shall be embossed the words “SHAURYA CHAKRA” both in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
Ribbon: Green colour ribbon divided into four equal parts by three vertical lines.
Bar: If a recipient of the Chakra shall again perform such an act of gallantry as would have made him or her eligible to receive the Chakra, such further act of gallantry shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the Chakra is suspended and, for every subsequent act of gallantry, an additional Bar shall be added and such Bar or Bars may also be awarded posthumously. For every such Bar, a replica of the Chakra in miniature shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
