Every year on April 9, Valour Day—also known as Bravery Day—is observed to honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. This year, in 2025, the CRPF marks its 60th Valour Day.
The History Behind Valour Day
Valour Day commemorates the heroic stand of CRPF personnel at Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, on April 9, 1965. On that day, a heavily armed brigade of the Pakistan Army launched a surprise attack on Indian territory. Despite being vastly outnumbered, a group of only 150 CRPF personnel defended the post with unmatched bravery.
One of the key figures in this historic battle was CRPF officer Bhawana Ram, who played a pivotal role in defending Sardar Post. This engagement marked the first direct confrontation between Indian police forces and a regular army, and the CRPF emerged victorious.
During the fierce battle, 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four captured alive, while six CRPF jawans laid down their lives defending the post. The Pakistani forces attempted to seize Sardar Post three times, but each time they were pushed back by the determined CRPF personnel, who showed exceptional courage and tactical skill.
In honor of their valor, April 9 is observed every year as CRPF Valour Day.
CRPF’s Continued Bravery
The CRPF has continued to uphold its legacy of bravery in various operations across the country. Notably, in 2001, CRPF personnel played a key role in thwarting the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, successfully neutralizing the threat and protecting national leaders and the institution.