New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Wednesday honoured four personnel from the Indian Armed Forces for their exceptional contributions in the fields of military reconnaissance, exploration, and adventure during the prestigious MacGregor Memorial Medal Award Ceremony held at the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi.
The awardees included Wing Commander D Panda of the Indian Air Force and EA (Retd) Rahul Kumar Pandey of the Indian Navy for the year 2023, while CHEAA (Retd) Ram Ratan Jat of the Indian Navy and Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia of the Indian Air Force were honoured for their achievements in 2024.
Instituted in 1888 in memory of Maj Gen Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the medal originally recognised acts of military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys. After India’s independence, the scope of the award was broadened in 1986 to include military expeditions and adventure activities, making it one of the most distinguished honours for valour and discovery within the Armed Forces.
To date, 127 individuals have received the MacGregor Memorial Medal—103 of them before independence. The honour is open to all ranks, both serving and retired, across the Armed Forces, including the Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles.
Throughout its history, the medal has been conferred upon legendary figures such as Capt FE Younghusband (1890), Maj Gen Orde Charles Wingate (1943), Maj ZC Bakshi, VrC (1949), Col Narinder Kumar for his exploration of the Siachen Glacier (1978–81), and naval officers Cdr Dilip Donde and Lt Cdr Abhilash Tomy for their solo global circumnavigations.
In a special highlight of the ceremony, CDS General Chauhan also unveiled a new book titled “Bravest of the Brave”, chronicling the life of Naib Subedar Chunni Lal, AC, VrC, SM—one of India’s most decorated soldiers. Written by Lt Gen Satish Dua (Retd), the book captures the soldier’s unparalleled courage, personal sacrifices, and unwavering resolve in the face of danger.
General Chauhan praised the author for his deeply emotional and inspiring portrayal of a soldier’s journey. “This book is a powerful reminder of the selfless service rendered by our brave men and women in uniform,” he said.
The ceremony at USI served not only as a tribute to individual excellence but also as a celebration of the Indian Armed Forces’ enduring spirit of adventure, courage, and service to the nation. It continues to inspire generations of soldiers to push boundaries in both terrain and spirit.
