CRPF's 59th Bravery Day 2024: History and Significance

Every year April 9 is celebrated as Bravery Day (Valour Day) to pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This year  (2024), CRPF is celebrating its 59th Bravery Day.

History of CRPF Gallantry Day:

• In 1965, a group of Pakistani soldiers attacked some other Indian soldiers near the Rann of Kutch. The Indian soldiers were unaware of this sudden attack, as they did not know that the attack was going to happen.
• During this attack, a CRPF officer named Bhavana Ram had saved a place called Sardar Post from infiltrators in a fight.
• This was the first time that a special group of police fought directly with Pakistani soldiers and they won. Six police officers died in this fight. To remember their bravery, every year we celebrate CRPF Bravery Day on 9th April.
• The Pakistani army wanted to capture the area protected by Indian troops at Sardar Post. Whereas there were only 150 CRPF soldiers. At the time of the attack, the Pakistani army could not achieve its target despite being larger in numbers and stronger.
• The Pakistani army tried to capture Sardar Post at this place thrice. But the CRPF jawans, acting with indomitable courage and cleverness, forced them to return.
• In this retaliatory action by CRPF, 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four others were captured. Unfortunately, six CRPF soldiers were also martyred in this battle.
• CRPF fought the terrorists who attacked the Indian Parliament in 2001 and succeeded in foiling their plans.

Importance of CRPF Bravery Day:

• Bravery Day is a special day for the Central Reserve Police Force. CRPF Bravery Day remembers the bravery and sacrifice of CRPF personnel fighting against the Pakistani invaders in 1965.
• The day is significant as it honors the courage, dedication and sacrifice of CRPF personnel in protecting the security and integrity of the country.

About Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):

• The CRPF stands as India's most extensive central armed police force. The CRPF functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• The primary role of the CRPF is to maintain law and order in the State/Union Territories. Besides, CRPF also works to deal with threats from within the country.
• CRPF Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Formation of CRPF: 27 July 1939.
• CRPF Motto: Service and Loyalty.
• CRPF Director General: Anish Dayal Singh.