Lucknow: India’s war heroes and gallantry awardees were honored at the Times Samman Award ceremony held at the Surya Auditorium in Lucknow on Friday. The event, organized by The Times of India, was a tribute to exceptional courage, sacrifice and service to the nation.The ceremony was attended by Union defense minister Rajnath Singh and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, along with senior defense officials. Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra awardees, and other gallantry awardees including family members of those honored posthumously were felicitated during the programme.Among those recognized were Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, Subedar (Honorary Captain) Karam Singh, Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Captain Vikram Batra, Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya, Commodore Arvind Singh, Brigadier Mohammad Usman and others.Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, who attended the ceremony, was honored for his bravery during the assault on Tiger Hill. Despite severe injuries, his actions proved crucial in capturing the strategic peak and inspired his fellow soldiers to advance against overwhelming odds.Captain Vikram Batra was honored posthumously for his leadership and sacrifice while recapturing key enemy positions in the Kargil sector.The ceremony was attended by many serving military personnel, their families, war veterans, war widows and mothers of soldiers who laid down their lives in service to the nation.Defense minister Rajnath Singh praised the awardees for upholding the highest traditions of the Indian armed forces, saying their courage would continue to inspire generations. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the nation, and UP in particular, remained indebted to its brave soldiers whose sacrifices safeguard India’s unity and security.Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Central Command, was also present.
