Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) is a military award of
India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...
given to recognize "distinguished service of an exceptional order" to all ranks of the armed forces. The award is a peacetime equivalent of
Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM; ''Great War Service Medal'') is one of India
India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the ...
, which is a Wartime Distinguished Service decoration.
The award can also be granted posthumously. Subsequent awards are represented by a bar worn on the ribbon. The awardee can use "AVSM" as post-nominal letters.
History
The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal was originally instituted as the "Vishisht Seva Medal, Class II" on 26 January 1960. Five other medals were instituted on the same day - the
Sainya Seva Medal
The Sainya Seva Medal is a medal of the Indian Armed Forces. The medal is awarded in recognition of non-operational service under conditions of hardship and severe climate in specified areas.
History
The Sainya Seva Medal was instituted on 26 Jan ...
,
Sena Medal
The Sena Medal is awarded to members of the Indian army, of all ranks, "for such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage as have special significance for the Army." Awards may be made posthumously and a bar is authorized for s ...
,
Nao Sena Medal
Nau Sena Medal (also spelt ''Nao Sena Medal'', lit. ''Navy Medal'') is a gallantry award for servicemen in the Indian Navy.
History
The Nao Sena Medal was instituted on 26 January 1960 by the Government of India, with the approval of the Presid ...
and the
Vayu Sena Medal
The Vayu Sena Medal is a military decoration, usually awarded in peacetime for a job well done in the Indian Air Force. However, it has been granted during times of conflict for acts of gallantry in the face of enemy, though not in the same numb ...
.
It was renamed on January 27, 1961, and the badge signed. Since 1980 the awarding of the medal have been restricted to operational service as the
Yudh Seva Medal
The Yudh Seva Medal is one of India's military decorations for distinguished service during wartime. It is awarded for a high degree of distinguished service in an operational context, which includes times of war, conflict, or hostilities and may b ...
was created to recognize distinguished services in an operational environment.
Design
The Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is made of silver gilt and has on its obverse a five-pointed star and on its reverse the Lion Capital. The ribbon is gold in colour and is 32mm wide with two dark-blue stripes dividing it into three equal parts.
Additional awards of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal are represented by a bar worn on the ribbon.
See also
*
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM; ''Great War Service Medal'') is one of India's military decorations for Wartime Distinguished Service. It is awarded for a high degree of distinguished services in an operational context. "Operational context" includes ...
- the war-time equivalent
References
{{Ati Vishisht Seva Medal recipients
Military awards and decorations of India
Recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Awards established in 1960
1960 establishments in India