First woman officer to get gallantry award in Army

Major Mitali Madhumita being awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) by General-Officer-Command-in-Chief Lt. Gen. S. K Singh during the Investiture Ceremony of the South Western Command in Hisar on Friday. Photo: Akhilesh Kumar

Major Mitali Madhumita on Friday became the first woman officer to receive a gallantry award in the Army.

She was honoured along with 21 Army personnel for acts of bravery and distinguished service at the military station here during the South Western Command Investiture Ceremony.

Major Madhumita became the first woman officer to get the Sena Medal (Gallantry), a defence spokesman said.

Two Yudh Seva medals, nine Sena medals (Gallantry), two Sena medals (Distinguished) and eight Vishisht Seva medals were presented by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, Lieutenant General S. K. Singh.

Posthumous award

Sepoy Jagtar Singh of the Punjab Regiment was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) posthumously, the spokesman said. His wife Ranjit Kaur received the award.

The soldier died on June 6, 2009 in an anti-terrorist operation in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir.

‘Exemplary courage'

Sepoy Purna Limboo was also awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) for displaying exemplary courage during a search operation in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, wherein he eliminated terrorists while under heavy fire.

Speaking on the occasion, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief lauded all the soldiers for their exemplary dedication and devotion to duty and upholding the highest traditions of the Army.