Digvijay Singh Rawat

Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, KC, is a retired officer of the Indian Army who served with the 21 Para (Special Forces) . He was awarded with the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award^[1][2], in 2024 for his contribution in an operation in Manipur during the Kuki- Meiti conflict.^[3]

Rawat was born on 27 July, 1990 in Garhwhal, Uttarakhand. His father, Digambar Singh Rawat, is a retired professor at Garhwal University, and his mother, Vijaylaxmi Rawat, is also a professor. He completed his schooling at St. Theresa's Convent School.^[4]

Rawat pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at Garhwal University. During his undergraduate studies, he began preparing to join the Indian Army and later commissioned through a technical entry scheme. In 2014 he volunteered for induction into the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and was subsequently posted to 21 Para (SF) .^[5][6]

Rawat was awarded the Kirti Chakra for acts of gallantry during counter-insurgency operations in Manipur. According to the official citation published by the Press Information Bureau of India, he played a key role in establishing an intelligence network that enabled the identification and disruption of valley-based insurgent groups. During multiple operations, he was involved in thwarting planned attacks, engaging armed insurgents under heavy fire, and apprehending senior cadres through close-quarter combat. The award recognised his leadership, courage and tactical acumen in challenging operational conditions.^[7]