When President Droupadi Murmu conferred the nation’s gallantry awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026, the medals honoured extraordinary acts of courage performed in some of the most dangerous operational environments in the country. Behind every citation lay a story of duty, sacrifice and commitment to India. Among the awardees were several Muslim personnel whose bravery under fire serves as a powerful reminder that the defence of the nation is a shared responsibility embraced by Indians from every faith and religion.
Particularly noteworthy are the recognitions accorded to Assistant Commandant (now Deputy Commandant) Mohd Shafiq of the Assam Rifles, Constable Saddam Hussain of the CRPF, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik of the Indian Air Force, and the posthumously awarded Vir Chakra recipient, Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj. Alongside them, Constable Feda Hussain Dar was part of a gallantry-recognised operation that demonstrated exceptional courage in the line of duty. Their stories are not merely accounts of individual bravery; they are chapters in the larger story of India’s security forces, where the uniform transcends all other identities.
The Operation of 2nd November 2024, recognised with the Shaurya Chakra, saw Constables Sanjay Tiwari and Feda Hussain Dar display courage and professionalism in challenging circumstances. Days later, on 5th November 2024, Assistant Commandant Mohd Shafiq of the Assam Rifles and CRPF Constable Saddam Hussain had similar opportunity that recognised their acts of gallantry that reflected the highest traditions of service.
The Assam Rifles officer’s conduct demonstrated the qualities that have long defined India’s frontline forces; leadership, composure under pressure and an unwavering commitment to mission success. Likewise, Saddam Hussain’s actions under operational conditions underscored the vital role played by personnel who often work far from public attention but remain central to the nation’s security architecture.
In the skies above, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik’s award of the Vir Chakra places him among a distinguished group of Indian Air Force officers recognised for exceptional courage during operations of national significance. The Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, is reserved for acts of conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy. His decoration is a testament to the professionalism and operational excellence that characterise India’s combat aviators.
Equally moving is the posthumous Vir Chakra awarded to Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj. Such honours represent the nation’s deepest gratitude to those who make the ultimate sacrifice. While medals may be conferred in ceremonial halls, their true significance lies in the lives risked and sometimes lost in defence of fellow citizens and the Republic.
These gallantry awardees join a long line of Muslim soldiers, aviators, sailors and security personnel who have served India with distinction since Independence. Their contributions have ranged from the battlefields of 1947, 1965, 1971, Kargil and Operation Sindoor to contemporary counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Their service also resonates with enduring Islamic teachings on courage, justice and the protection of human life. The Holy Qur’an states: “Whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:32). The verse speaks to the sanctity of life and the obligation to protect society from violence and disorder. Security personnel who willingly place themselves in harm’s way to safeguard civilians embody this principle in its most practical form.
Another Qur’anic injunction declares: “Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves” (Surah An-Nisa 4:135). The defence and security forces of India are built upon precisely such ideals: duty, integrity, discipline and an unwavering commitment to justice under the Constitution. The Prophet Muhammad also reported to have said: “The best among people are those who are most beneficial to humanity” (Sahih Al-Jami). Few professions illustrate this ideal more clearly than those that require individuals to risk their lives for the safety of others.
India’s security forces remain among the country’s most powerful examples of unity in diversity. Personnel from every faith stand together in operational areas, sharing hardships, responsibilities and risks. On the battlefield and in counter-terror operations, what matters is not one’s religion but one’s reliability, courage and commitment to fellow comrades. The gallantry awards announced this year once again affirm that patriotism in India has never belonged to any single community. It belongs to every citizen willing to place duty above self.
As the nation celebrates its decorated heroes, the stories of these Muslim awardees deserve recognition not because they are exceptional Muslims, but because they are exceptional Indians; men whose courage strengthened the security of the Republic and whose service reflects the very best of India’s democratic and pluralistic character. Their medals are symbols of personal valour. Their legacy is a reminder that the defence of India is, and always has been, a collective national endeavour.
