The gallantry award portal has been relaunched with improved access to stories of military bravery. Explore more national current affairs for UPSC.
Quick answer: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth launched the revised gallantry award portal in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. It preserves information on award recipients and military history. Moreover, its Veer Gatha section records a rise from about 8 lakh students in the first edition to over 1.92 crore in the fifth.
What is the gallantry award portal?
The gallantry award portal is a digital resource on gallantry award recipients and India’s military heritage. It aims to preserve accounts of bravery and sacrifice for future generations.
Its proposed collection covers awards, recipients, wars and post-Independence military operations. Moreover, the redesigned interface offers easier navigation, accessibility features and compatibility across devices. The portal is available at gallantryawards.gov.in.
Why is the portal in the news?
Sanjay Seth launched the revised portal in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior Defence Ministry officials attended the event.
The redevelopment places several military-history resources in one location. In addition, visitors can use an interactive tribute section to honour gallantry award recipients.
Key features and Veer Gatha participation
The portal combines recipient information, articles, commemorative resources and student activities. Its key sections and participation figures are listed below.
| Item | Key fact |
|---|---|
| History and remembrance | Warpedia, award recipients, memorials and museums |
| Other sections | Events, Gallantrypedia articles, media and interactive tributes |
| Veer Gatha: first edition | About 8 lakh students and 4,788 schools |
| Veer Gatha: fifth edition | Over 1.92 crore students and 1.9 lakh schools |
| Participation abroad | 28,005 students from 91 schools across 18 countries |
The overseas schools are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Each Veer Gatha edition also has a dedicated page covering its theme, timeline, evaluation criteria, awards, resources and results.
Those pages include honour ceremonies, media galleries and student activities. Through Veer Gatha, students learn about award recipients and express those lessons in their own creative work.
Why does it matter for UPSC?
The portal connects military history, public remembrance and student engagement. For prelims, distinguish Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry award, from Ashoka Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award.
Moreover, the Veer Gatha figures illustrate the programme’s reach without changing the purpose of gallantry awards themselves: recognising acts of bravery.
Source: Press Information Bureau, 12 November 2026
Punjab PCS and Haryana HCS General Studies questions can test the portal, its sections and Veer Gatha participation. Also revise the distinction between wartime and peacetime gallantry awards.
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Mains Practice Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who launched the revised gallantry award portal?
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth launched it. The event took place in New Delhi on 12 November 2026.
What is Veer Gatha on the portal?
Veer Gatha is a student initiative connected to stories of gallantry award recipients. Its portal section also provides separate pages for each edition.
How many students joined the fifth edition of Veer Gatha?
More than 1.92 crore students participated in the fifth edition. In addition, 1.9 lakh schools took part.
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