The Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award for officers and other enlisted personnel of all military branches of India, for the highest degree of bravery, in the presence of the enemy. The PVC is the post-independence equivalent of the Victoria Cross - Britain's highest medal for gallantry.

The PVC was established on 26 January 1950, by the President of India, with effect from 15 August 1947, and presently it is the second highest award of the Government of India, after the Bharat Ratna (amendment in the statute on 26 January 1980, resulted in this order of wearing). (Read More)