President Murmu Confers AVSM and PVSM at Investiture Ceremony
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) on Lieutenant General Ranjit Singh and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) on Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan at an Investiture Ceremony held at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. The ceremony took place on June 30, 2026, marking a proud moment for the families and the town of Hamirpur.
Native Sons of Hamirpur Honored
Both Lt Gen Ranjit Singh and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan are natives of Hira Nagar Colony in Hamirpur town. Their achievements have brought pride to their hometown and the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Lt Gen Ranjit Singh: A Third-Generation Army Officer
Lt Gen Ranjit Singh is the son of Lt Col Kishan Singh and the grandson of Havildar Thakur Munshi Ram. He represents the third generation of his family to serve as an Army officer and is the second member of his family to receive the prestigious AVSM. Earlier, his uncle, Col Rampal Singh, was conferred the AVSM by then President Dr Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.
Commissioned into the Indian Army after joining the National Defence Academy in 1986 and passing out from the Indian Military Academy in 1989, Lt Gen Ranjit Singh has carried forward his family's proud military legacy. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery and served with the 11 Field Regiment (Zojila), now known as the 11 Medium Regiment, which he later commanded. In 2015, he also commanded an Artillery Brigade in Kargil.
Distinguished Career and Key Appointments
During his career, Lt Gen Ranjit Singh has held several key appointments in India and abroad and has been awarded three Army Commendation Cards. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in 2024 and is currently posted at Army Headquarters in New Delhi.
Family and Community Reactions
Family members expressed pride in his achievement. His uncle, RS Kanwar, said Ranjit Singh had brought immense honour not only to the family but also to the district and the state. His brother, Rajender Kumar, said, “Ranjit has reached one of the highest ranks in the Army, and the AVSM adds another feather to his cap.”
Speaking to The Tribune, Lt Gen Ranjit Singh attributed his success to the unwavering support of his family and his commitment to hard work. He said the blessings of his parents and elders had guided him throughout his journey. His wife, Yogita, and their two daughters were also present at Ganatantra Mandap to witness the ceremony.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan: Vice Chief of Naval Staff
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, currently the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, is the son of Squadron Leader Jagdish Chand Vatsayan. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for his distinguished service. The PVSM is one of India's highest peacetime military decorations.
