Homage to Smt Savitri Bai

India’s highest gallantry award Param Vir Chakra was designed by Smt Savitri Bai , wife of Major General Khanolkar. It was after a great deal of research from the ancient Puranas. She was proficient in India’s ancient history and scriptures. It was at the request of then Adjutant General. Major General Hiralal she undertook the task of designing the medal. What was special about this lady . She was a Yeonne Maday de Maros, a Swiss of Hungarian-Russian descent who had run away from home to marry Major Khanolkar who was then in UK doing his training. So smitten she was with the Officer who was twenty years her senior that she adopted Hinduism and was totally devoted all her life towards study of Indian culture. The medal was designed two years after its first recipient Major Somnath Sharma was awarded posthumously for saving the Srinagar Airfield from attack by Pathan tribals led by Pakistan Army Officers. Major Somnath sacrificed his life but saved the Airfield which was the turning point in the first military campaign between India and Pakistan soon after Independence. She was closely related to Major Somnath Sharma through her daughter’s in-laws.

Today is the 108 th birth anniversary of that great soul. Unfortunately in today’s world of glitz and glamour few remember her today . Let us pay homage to this noble lady . She passed away in 1990. After the death of her husband she joined the Ramakrishna Mutt as a sanyasini.

– Author, Col (Dr) Vijaykant Chenji is the Founder President of IIRF