Bravery Honored: IPS Officer Ajay Kumar Sahni Wins President's Medal Again

Bravery Honored: IPS Officer Ajay Kumar Sahni Wins President's Medal Again

On this notable date, August 16, 2025, we celebrate the remarkable achievements within our community as well as raise awareness for essential causes that touch the lives of many. A shining highlight of the day is the recognition of Senior IPS officer Ajay Kumar Sahni, who has been awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for Gallantry for the third time. This accolade honors his exceptional courage during a high-risk operation in Meerut on Republic Day, January 26, 2020, showcasing his relentless dedication to duty and valor in the face of danger. The Gallantry Awards, which honor those who display exceptional bravery, are announced twice a year: once on Republic Day and again on Independence Day, emphasizing their significance in commemorating courage through the years. Drishti IAS reports that Sahni’s achievements sit among the distinguished ranks of gallantry medals, including the Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, each representing astounding acts of bravery in various circumstances.

Interestingly, as we reflect on courage in our community, August 13 marks another significant occasion: World Organ Donation Day. This day serves to honor organ donors and raise awareness about the critical need for organ donations worldwide.

World Organ Donation Day

This year’s theme, „Answering The Call,“ set by the Organ Donation and Transplant Alliance, draws attention to the urgent need for public participation in organ donation efforts. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 103,993 people are currently waiting for organ transplants globally. Organ donation is a matter of life and death, bringing hope to those in need, and the statistics from Drishti IAS illustrate the gravity of the situation.

The first successful organ transplant occurred in 1954, a landmark moment in medical history that earned Dr. Joseph Murray the Nobel Prize in 1990. Furthermore, in India, the National Organ Day has been moved to August 3 to commemorate the first successful deceased-donor heart transplant in 1994. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) plays a pivotal role in coordinating organ and tissue donation efforts in India, established under the Ministry of Health under the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act, 2011. Through this initiative, NOTTO works tirelessly to support both regional and state organizations, helping to ensure a streamlined process for organ transplants nationwide.

PM-SHRI Scheme Assessment

On the educational front, a team from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) recently embarked on a journey to Jaisalmer to review the PM-SHRI Scheme. This visit aimed to engage with stakeholders, assess implementation, identify successful practices, and tackle challenges – showcasing the initiative’s commitment to fostering educational excellence.

The PM-SHRI Scheme, launched on September 7, 2022, covers the development of over 14,500 existing schools under various government bodies. Running until 2026, this program aligns itself with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, fostering holistic student development through modern facilities and competency-based assessments. The funding structure is noteworthy, with a pattern of 60:40 between the Centre and States/UTs, and in the case of Northeastern states, this shifts to 90:10, ensuring that even the most remote areas receive the support they need.

As we look at the commemoration of courage through gallantry awards and the pressing call for organ donations, coupled with initiatives in education through the PM-SHRI Scheme, it’s clear that our community is marked by both valor and progress. There’s something to be said for the dedication to improving lives—both through the valor in the face of danger and the promise of education for future generations. For those interested in exploring more about everyday carry gear that promotes preparedness and safety, check out the carefully curated items at Gallantry, which perfectly complement the themes of bravery and community support we celebrate today.