In a defining moment of national pride, two courageous soldiers from Assam were awarded the Shaurya Chakra — one of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards — by President Droupadi Murmu at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, bringing together the highest offices of the nation to honour India’s bravest.
Major Bhargav Kalita and Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta, both from Assam, stood tall among the gallantry award recipients, bringing immense honour to their families, their regiments, and their home state. Their stories are not just of military achievement — they are stories of human courage at its finest.
Major Bhargav Kalita: Courage That Neutralised Terror
Major Bhargav Kalita, serving with the Kumaon Regiment and 50 Rashtriya Rifles, led a high-risk counter-terrorism operation in December 2024 that stands as a testament to outstanding military leadership. Operating in one of India’s most sensitive conflict zones, he commanded his troops through a carefully planned mission that resulted in the neutralisation of a terrorist who had been responsible for repeated attacks on both innocent civilians and security personnel.
What distinguished Major Kalita was not just the outcome of the operation, but the manner in which it was achieved. Displaying remarkable tactical intelligence and personal bravery, he ensured his troops remained focused and effective under extreme pressure. His leadership minimised risk to his men while maximising operational impact — a balance that only the finest officers can strike.
The Shaurya Chakra awarded to Major Kalita is a formal recognition by the nation that his actions went far beyond the call of duty. His operation brought relief and a renewed sense of security to communities that had long lived in fear. Assam has every reason to be proud of this remarkable officer.
Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta: One Man Saved Eight Lives
The gallantry of Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta of 33 Assam Rifles is a story that will be told for generations. In September 2025, during active operations in Manipur, his vehicle convoy came under a sudden and ferocious ambush by hostile forces. In an instant, the mission became a fight for survival.
With hostile fire raining down from all directions, Rifleman Dutta refused to panic. Gripping the wheel with iron nerve, he gunned the vehicle through the kill zone, steering through chaos and danger to bring his vehicle — and the eight fellow soldiers inside — safely out of the ambush. Every second counted. Every decision mattered. And Rifleman Dutta made every one of them right.
Eight soldiers returned home to their families because of what he did that day. The Shaurya Chakra conferred upon him is not merely a medal — it is the nation’s way of saying that acts of selfless heroism will never go unrecognised. His bravery reflects the proud tradition and fighting spirit of the Assam Rifles, one of India’s most decorated paramilitary forces.
What Is the Shaurya Chakra?
The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third highest peacetime gallantry award, presented for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice performed away from the battlefield. Established in 1952, it is awarded to both military personnel and civilians who demonstrate exceptional courage in service to the nation. The circular bronze medal, featuring a lotus design, represents the nation’s highest gratitude for those who risk their lives so others may live safely.
Assam Salutes Its Heroes
The state of Assam has a rich and proud military tradition. From the legendary Assam Rifles to soldiers serving in regiments across the country, Assamese men and women have consistently shown extraordinary dedication to the defence of India. The recognition of Major Bhargav Kalita and Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta adds another golden chapter to that proud legacy.
As the President of India placed the Shaurya Chakra on their chests at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the entire state of Assam stood in silent salute. These are not just soldiers — they are the sons of Assam who chose service over safety, and duty over comfort. Their courage reminds us what it truly means to protect and serve.
Quick Facts
- Award: Shaurya Chakra — India’s 3rd highest peacetime gallantry award
- Ceremony: Defence Investiture Ceremony, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
- Conferred by: President Droupadi Murmu
- Major Bhargav Kalita — Kumaon Regiment & 50 RR — Counter-terror operation, December 2024
- Rifleman Dhurba Jyoti Dutta — 33 Assam Rifles — Saved 8 soldiers in Manipur ambush, September 2025
- Dignitaries: PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, VP Jagdeep Dhankhar
