Recognising exceptional individuals who shape the nation’s future across diverse fields, the award, instituted for the first time, went to Nambi Narayan, Kiran Kumar Alarmel Valli, N Rajam, Vikram Sampath, Saina Nehwal, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Air Force), Lt. Gen. AVS Rathee (Army), and Vice Admiral RV Gokhale (Navy) for their service in Operation Sindoor.