On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that 26 personnel from Odisha will be honoured with gallantry and service medals in recognition of their bravery, dedication, and distinguished service.
The awardees belong to multiple services, including police, fire services, home guard and civil defence, and correctional services, reflecting their contributions to public safety and law enforcement across the state.
Breakdown of Awardees by Service
Among the 26 recipients from Odisha:
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Police Service: 17 personnel
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Fire Service: 4 personnel
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Home Guard and Civil Defence: 3 personnel
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Correctional Service: 2 personnel
Types of Medals Awarded
Gallantry Medals (4)
Four personnel were awarded Gallantry Medals for acts of exceptional courage and bravery:
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Atul Krishna Das, Deputy Superintendent of Police
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Purna Chandra Padhan, Assistant Sub-Inspector
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Ghanashyam Sahoo, Constable
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Thabir Majhi, Constable
President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) (2)
Two personnel received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, awarded for an outstanding and distinguished service record.
Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) (20)
A total of 20 personnel were conferred with the Medal for Meritorious Service, recognising valuable service marked by devotion to duty and professionalism.
Notable Mention
In addition to state-level awardees, Baidyanath Samal, Additional Superintendent of Police with the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Bhubaneswar, was among 25 CBI officers nationwide who received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
The honours underscore the commitment, courage, and service excellence of personnel from Odisha who continue to safeguard public order and serve the nation under challenging circumstances.
