The Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today awarded gallantry and meritorious service medals to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) personnel at an impressive investiture ceremony here today. Senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Coast Guard along with their families also graced the occasion. Speaking on the occasion the Defence Minister extended his heart felt appreciation to the awardees and their families. Lauding the commendable efforts of the ICG in maintaining safety of the nation’s vast maritime frontiers he said that the ICG is on a progressive path of expansion by way of augmentation of surface and air assets for keeping pace with the role envisaged. Shri Parrikar appreciated the ICG initiative for employment of lady officers in combat, with the successful all women dornier flight and also the soon to be afloat platform the ACV (Air Cushion Vessel), for which they are undergoing training at ICGS Mandapam.
The Minister inspected the ceremonial guard prior to awarding the medals. A total of 34 officers were bestowed with gallantry and meritorious service medals which included one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) (Gallantry), four PTM (Distinguished Service), 19 Tatrakshak Medal (TM) (Gallantry) and 10 TM (Meritorious). The award of medals is a recognition to the selfless devotion, exemplary courage and acts of valour under extreme conditions of the officers and men of the Coast Guard. The highest award for act of bravery in the ICG is the PTM followed by the TM.