On the eve of India's 78th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu conferred a total of 208 gallantry awards, with notable honors going to Indian Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery in a confrontation with terrorists in Anantnag in September 2023. Colonel Singh, who was leading the 19 Rashtriya Rifles, is remembered for his leadership and sacrifice, and he is survived by his wife and two young children. Alongside him, two other Army personnel, Rifleman Ravi Kumar and Major M Naidu, also received the Kirti Chakra, which is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. The list of awardees included 1,037 service medals for personnel from various police forces, with Jammu and Kashmir having the highest number of recipients. Singh's legacy as a hero in the conflict-prone regions of Kashmir continues to resonate with local communities. The awards highlight the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in affected areas.