The Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in the Indian armed forces, given for valour in battle. Only an extraordinary act of bravery and courage symbolizing the spirit of "Service before Self" merits this award. Instituted in January 1950, twenty-one brave heroes of our armed forces have so far been honoured with this Award, out of which fourteen made the ultimate sacrifice of their life and were given the award posthumously. The lives and brave acts of these twenty-one heroes make for a truly inspiring read.