Param Vir Chakra
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The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. Param Vir Chakra translates as the "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave", and the award is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy". As of January 2018, the medal has been awarded 21 times, of which 14 were posthumous and 16 arose from actions in Indo-Pakistani conflicts. Of the 21 awardees, 20 have been from the Indian Army and one has been from the Indian Air Force. Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient. A number of state governments of India as well as ministries of the central government provide allowances and rewards to recipients of the PVC.
PVC medal on 1976 stamp of India
The three living recipients of the Param Vir Chakra: Yogendra Singh Yadav, Bana Singh, and Sanjay Kumar
Image: Major Somnath Sharma statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi
Image: Naik Jadunath Singh statue at Param Yodha Sthal Delhi
Somnath Sharma
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Somnath Sharma, PVC, was an Indian military officer and the first recipient of India's highest military decoration, Param Vir Chakra (PVC), which he was awarded posthumously.
Major Somnath Sharma on a 2003 stamp of India
Sharma's statue at Param Yodha Sthal, National War Memorial, New Delhi
Major Somnath Sharma's name on the Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice), National War Memorial, India.
On turning 100, Lt Gen Surindra Nath Sharma (Retd) salutes his brother late Major Somnath Sharma, PVC.