President’s Medals for 23 From Odisha: Recipients Honoured for Their Exceptional Service, Commitment and Contribution to the State

Bhubaneswar, Aug 24 [UDN}:: On the occasion of Independence Day, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the President’s Medals for distinguished, meritorious and courageous service. A total of 23 personnel from Odisha will receive the prestigious medals, covering the Odisha Police, Fire Services, Home Guards and Prisons departments.
Among the 23 awardees, 17 are from the Police Department, 2 from the Prisons Department, and 4 from the Fire Services and Home Guards. The medals are scheduled to be presented by the Governor and the Chief Minister of Odisha on January 26, 2027.
For gallantry and courageous service, five Odisha police personnel have been selected for the President’s Medal. They are Sub-Inspector Manmath Kumar Mahapatra, Havildar Nirakar Bhue, Commando Santosh Gurung, Commando Suman Pun and Commando Suresh Chandra Pug.
For distinguished service, two names from Odisha have been announced: senior IPS officer Sanjeev Panda, who is also being discussed as a possible contender for the post of DGP, and DSP Smitarani Mohanty.
For meritorious service, 10 police officers and personnel have been selected. They include DSP Manoranjan Paikaray, DSP Suresh Kumar Bal, Inspector Geetanjali Panda, Deputy Commandant Bhavesh Kumar Nayak, Assistant Commandant Paresh Kumar, Minati Nandan Pati, Constable Shyamali Biswas, Sub-Inspector Barun Kumar Naik, Havildar Subash Chandra Trinath Gaud, Constable Mustaq Ali Khan and Havildar Prashant Kumar Biswal.
In the Fire Services, Assistant Station Officer Malay Kumar Mahanti has been selected for distinguished service. For meritorious service, Havildar Driver Nuel Kerketta, Assistant Station Officer Amitabh Raj and Home Guard Abhiram Sethi have been selected for medals.
From the Prisons Department, Chief Warder Pramod Kumar Swain and Warder Biswanath Panda have been selected for medals for meritorious service. However, this year, no officer or employee from the Prisons Department has been selected for a medal for distinguished service.
The announcement recognizes the dedication, bravery, professional excellence and exemplary service of personnel working across Odisha’s police, fire, home guard and prison services. Their selection for the President’s Medals is considered a significant honour and recognition of their contribution to public safety, law enforcement and emergency services.