TV
Globally acclaimed mountaineer from Odisha Devidutta Panda will receive the prestigious MacGregor medal.
Panda will receive the honour at United Services Institute in Delhi on April 16 in recognition of his land adventure sport and explorations. The medal will be presented by present CDS General Anil Chauhan.
"I am glad and humbled to be considered for this prestigious medal which has been awarded to top notch explorers and adventurers such as Col Narendra 'Bull' Kumar in the past," said Panda.
Panda's Feats
Panda has climbed all the major peaks in Asia, Europe and Africa including Mount Everest. He has a total of 16 mountaineering expeditions under his cap.
Why MacGregor Medal Is Awarded?
The MacGregor Medal (also referred to as the MacGregor Memorial Medal) is awarded for valuable military intelligence through reconnaissance, exploration, survey or other similar activities of national importance. Awardees have included Survey of India personnel, military attaches, consuls, political officers and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel (including British officers before Independence).
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Post 1947 the medal has only been awarded to military personnel. A few medals have been awarded for escapes from enemy-occupied territory while some medals were awarded for successful operations inside enemy territory. Sometimes the awardee would be conferred the medal years after the journey had been made.
The medal was instituted in May 1887 to honour the memory of United Service Institution of India founder, Major General Sir Charles MacGregor.
