Jeevan Raksha Padak Series
Why in news?
President Droupadi Murmu approved the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards for 2025, honoring 30 individuals for exceptional bravery in saving lives. The awards were conferred around Republic Day 2026, recognizing acts from various states, Jammu & Kashmir, and defense personnel.​
About Jeevan Raksha Padak Series
The Jeevan Raksha Padak Series is a set of civilian life-saving gallantry awards, recognizing acts of exceptional courage in saving lives. It has three categories: Sarvottam, Uttam, and Jeevan Raksha Padak.
- Purpose: To honor meritorious acts of humane nature involving personal risk to save another person’s life.
- Established: 1961, as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry Awards.
- Eligibility: Open to all persons, regardless of profession or background. Can be awarded posthumously.
Categories of Awards
| Category |
Criteria |
Medal Color/Design |
Example (2025 Awardees) |
| Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak |
Conspicuous courage in saving life under very great danger to the rescuer |
Gold medal with red ribbon |
Shri Manohar Singh Chouhan (Posthumous), Madhya Pradesh |
| Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak |
Courage and promptitude under great danger to the rescuer |
Silver medal with blue ribbon |
Shri Sumit Yadav, NCT Delhi |
| Jeevan Raksha Padak |
Courage in saving life under circumstances of grave bodily injury to the rescuer |
Bronze medal with green ribbon |
Shri K Ummer Farooqe, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
2025 Awards
- Total Honorees: 30 individuals.
- Distribution: 6 Sarvottam, 6 Uttam, 18 Jeevan Raksha Padaks.
- Posthumous Awards: 6 recipients.
- Presented By: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on 25 January 2026.
Significance
- These awards highlight civilian bravery outside the battlefield, focusing on humanitarian acts such as saving people from drowning, fire accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations.
- They serve as India’s highest civilian recognition for life-saving acts, parallel to military gallantry awards but dedicated to everyday heroes.
Key Considerations
- Risk Factor: The awards emphasize personal risk—recipients often put their own lives in grave danger.
- Inclusivity: Unlike military honors, these are open to all citizens, making them a symbol of collective courage.
- Legacy: Since 1961, they have built a tradition of recognizing unsung heroes across India.
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