Bhubaneswar, August 17: On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu has approved 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces, including 13 posthumous honours.
Major Sudhanshu Pani from Kalahandi is the only recipient from Odisha on the list. He will be conferred the prestigious Sena Medal (Gallantry) for displaying exceptional courage during an Army operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Major Pani played a key role in Operation Gudder in September 2025. During the operation, he was involved in a face-to-face encounter with Rehman Bhai, an ‘A++’ category terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and played a crucial role in eliminating the terrorist.
His bravery, leadership and exceptional courage during the operation have earned him the gallantry honour.
Major Sudhanshu hails from Kachhimdola village under Junagada block of Kalahandi district. His family has been residing in Junagada town for several years. His mother, Rajkumari Pani, is a retired teacher.
Major Pani is currently serving in the Indian Army in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The announcement of the gallantry award has triggered celebrations across Kalahandi and Odisha. People from different sections of society have congratulated Major Pani and his family, expressing pride in the achievement of the son of the soil.
