President Droupadi Murmu, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 22, honored six soldiers with the Kirti Chakra and 33 with the Shaurya Chakra. Among those awarded posthumously was Colonel Manpreet Singh, whose wife received the award in his honor. Their son, Kabir, thanked his father during the ceremony. Colonel Manpreet Singh was martyred last year while combating terrorists in Kashmir.
The President awarded six Kirti Chakras for acts of conspicuous gallantry, four of which were posthumous. The recipients include Colonel Manpreet Singh (Sikh Light Infantry), Rifleman Ravi Kumar (Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry), Naik Dilawar Khan (Artillery Regiment), and Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat (Jammu and Kashmir Police).
Major Malla Ram Gopal Naidu of Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, and Major Manjeet of Punjab Regiment, 22 Rashtriya Rifles were also awarded the Kirti Chakra. In total, 33 Shaurya Chakras were conferred, including seven posthumously, to personnel from the armed forces, central armed police forces, and state/UT police.
Photos from the ceremony were shared later by Rashtrapati Bhavan on its official social media handles.
Kabir, son of Colonel Manpreet Singh, who performed his father's last rites 19 months ago, expressed hope that one day his father might return. He said, “Now the mission will be over, Papa will come home.” The award, for Kabir, symbolizes the continued presence of his father.
Colonel Manpreet’s wife, Jagmeet Singh, shared how difficult this time has been for the family and their children, 10-year-old Kabir and 5-year-old Vaani. She mentioned the children still struggle to accept the truth. Kabir used to secretly send voice messages and video calls to his late father, hoping he would return.
Jagmeet currently lives in Panchkula with her children. Colonel Manpreet Singh was martyred on September 13, 2023, during an encounter with terrorists in Gadool village, Kokernag, Kashmir, along with three other security personnel.