Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday, 1 September honoured 18 officers and personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at an Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi, recognising acts of bravery and distinguished service along India's northern borders. The ceremony underscored the SSB's expanding role in both border security and humanitarian operations.

Awards Conferred

The 18 recipients were awarded the Gallantry Medal (GM) in recognition of bravery and valour, while five officers received the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM). Notably, the Gallantry Medal awarded posthumously to late Head Constable Ravi Sharma was received on his behalf by his wife, a poignant moment at the ceremony.

What the Home Secretary Said

Govind Mohan, who served as Chief Guest, stated that the security of India's borders forms a vital foundation for the country's internal security, and that the SSB's role is indispensable to nation-building. He specifically commended the force's work in protecting the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders — both of which are open frontiers without physical barriers, making surveillance a particularly demanding task.

Mohan also highlighted the quadrilateral border security system formulated by the Union Home Ministry, which coordinates efforts across the Border Security Force (BSF), state government advance-line systems, central government organisations, and border communities. He noted that the first ground-level implementation meeting for this system was held in the India-Nepal border area under SSB's aegis.

The Home Secretary praised the SSB's adoption of facial recognition, radar, CCTV, and modern surveillance systems as critical technological innovations for securing open borders.

Home Minister's Message

Home Minister Amit Shah, through a written message, extended congratulations to all decorated personnel and their families. He paid tribute to the 51 martyrs of the SSB who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation, calling their bravery and patriotism an invaluable legacy of the force.

Shah also expressed condolences to families affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal and praised the SSB's humanitarian assistance and rescue operations during the disaster, describing them as a living embodiment of the force's motto: 'Service, Security, and Brotherhood.'

Ceremony Highlights

Director General Sanjay Singhal welcomed Home Secretary Mohan at the outset of the ceremony by presenting him a sapling and a memento. The event brought together senior officials and families of the honoured personnel, many of whom serve in some of India's most challenging border postings.

As the SSB continues to modernise its surveillance infrastructure and deepen cross-border humanitarian engagement, ceremonies such as this reinforce the institutional recognition of frontline sacrifice — a signal to personnel that their service on remote borders is seen and valued at the highest levels of government.