Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) is a military decoration awarded by the Government of India to recognize “distinguished service of an exceptional order” to all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. It is the second-highest peacetime military award in India, after the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

History

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal was instituted on 26 January 1960 by the President of India. The medal was initially awarded to recognize “distinguished service of an exceptional order” rendered by officers of the armed forces, including the reserve forces and the territorial army, as well as the nursing officers of the armed forces.

In 1967, the eligibility criteria for the medal were expanded to include all ranks of the armed forces, recognizing their exceptional service and devotion to duty.

Design and Appearance

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is circular in shape, made of silver gilt, and is 35mm in diameter. The obverse of the medal features the State Emblem of India in the center, surrounded by a wreath of lotus leaves. The words “Ati Vishisht Seva Medal” are inscribed in Devanagari script and English around the emblem.

The reverse of the medal bears a five-pointed star with the words “Ati Vishisht Seva” inscribed in Devanagari script. The medal is suspended from a plain horizontal bar covered with a red silk riband, which is 32mm in width.

Eligibility and Selection Process

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded to all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order. The award is typically given for service rendered over a period of at least 15 years, although it can be awarded for a shorter period in exceptional cases.

Recommendations for the medal are made by the respective service headquarters (Army, Navy, or Air Force) and are then forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for approval. The final decision on the award rests with the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the armed forces.

Notable Recipients

Over the years, several distinguished military personnel have been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for their exceptional service and devotion to duty. Some notable recipients include:

• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, Manekshaw was awarded the AVSM in 1961 for his distinguished service.
• Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda: The 7th Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Nanda was awarded the AVSM in 1966 for his exceptional service.
• Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal: The 7th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lal was awarded the AVSM in 1971 for his distinguished service during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
• General Bipin Rawat: The first Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Rawat was posthumously awarded the AVSM in 2022 for his exceptional service and leadership.

Precedence and Privileges

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ranks 14th in the order of precedence of Indian military decorations. Recipients of the medal are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “AVSM” after their names.

In addition to the medal, recipients are also awarded a monthly monetary allowance, which is subject to periodic revision by the Government of India.

The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is a prestigious military decoration that recognizes the exceptional service and devotion to duty of all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. The medal serves as a testament to the bravery, sacrifices, and commitment of the men and women who dedicate their lives to the service of the nation. By honoring their distinguished service, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal not only acknowledges the contributions of individual military personnel but also serves to inspire future generations to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism in the armed forces.