Ranchi: The Independence Day celebrations at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi will this year honour not only the national flag but also police personnel whose courage, dedication and commitment to duty have set an example for others.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren will felicitate 29 officers and personnel of the Jharkhand Police during the main state-level Independence Day ceremony on August 15. The awardees will receive medals in three categories — one President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, five Police Medals for Gallantry and 23 Police Medals for Meritorious Service.
The medals were announced earlier by the Central government.
Kailash Prasad Shrestha to receive President’s Medal
Sub-Inspector Kailash Prasad Shrestha of JAP-1, Ranchi, is the only police personnel from Jharkhand selected for the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service.
The prestigious award recognises his long-standing contribution and dedicated service in the police force.
Five personnel selected for gallantry awards
Five police personnel have been chosen for the Police Medal for Gallantry in recognition of their courage while performing their duties.
The recipients include Sub-Inspector Vinay Kumar of Latehar, Sub-Inspector Pramod Kumar Rai of IRB-4, Latehar, constables Ved Prakash Mahto and Ramchandra Kumar Mahto of Latehar, and Jamtara constable Krishna Murmu.
Their selection acknowledges the bravery and determination they displayed during demanding situations in the line of duty.
23 to receive medals for meritorious service
The Meritorious Service Medal will be awarded to 23 officers and personnel serving in different units and districts of the Jharkhand Police.
The recipients include IG Dr Michaelraj S, A. Vijayalakshmi, DIG Anuranjan Kispotta, Special Branch DSP Neeraj Kumar and Communication and Technical Services Inspector Arun Kumar.
STF personnel ASIs Arvind Kumar Palit, Vashisht Kunwar, Sanjeev Kumar Jha and Vijay Kumar, along with Driver Head Constable Mohammad Iqbal and Windray Mundari, are also among the awardees.
JAP-10 women constables Manti Khalkho and Prabha Devi will also be honoured. The list further includes ATS personnel Manoj Kumar Rai, ITS Inspector Asit Kumar Modi, Ranchi district ASI Deepak Punj, CID ASI Mahendra Mahto and STF Head Constable Vijay Thapa.
JAP-10 Woman Head Constable Ranjita Kujur, Garhwa constable Videshi Manjhi, Chatra constable Ajay Kumar Dubey, JAP-10 woman constable Pushpa Odaya and Gumla constable Deepak Kumar Singh will also receive medals for their meritorious service.
Recognition beyond the Independence Day ceremony
The felicitation of the 29 awardees will add a special significance to this year’s Independence Day programme. Along with celebrating the country’s freedom, the ceremony will recognise those who continue to serve society in challenging circumstances.
The honours are expected to encourage other police personnel to uphold the values of courage, professionalism and dedication while carrying out their responsibilities.