Manphool Singh

Period : 13th August 1956

Awarded to those in the organized police, Central Intelligence Bureau, or organized fire services who have performed acts of exceptional courage. Bars may be awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry.

In normal circumstances, no more than forty-five presidential police medals for gallantry may be awarded in any single year.

Established: March 1951.

Obverse: Circular silver, in the center the embossed flag of the President of India on a shield in gilt and the legend "PRESIDENT'S POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES MEDAL" above and "INDIA" below. These two legends are separated by five-pointed stars.

Reverse: The state emblem in the center with "FOR GALLANTRY" above and a wreath below.

Ribbon: 32 mm, half dark blue, half white, with a 2 mm red central stripe. Dark blue 15 mm, red 2 mm, white 15 mm.

Awards: To understand the award better, a sample recipient would be Manphool Singh, Constable No. 714, Civil Police, District Agra, Uttar Pradesh: "By the morning of the 13th August 1956, flood waters from Bharatpur had reached the neighborhood of Fatehpur Sikri in Agra District and the surrounding area was a vast sheet of water spread over several miles. The water level at Tera Mori Bandh near Fatehpur Sikri had already over-shot the danger mark by a foot and was still rising rapidly. It was quite apparent that unless the sluice gates of the Bandh [dam] were opened immediately, the rising waters would endanger the safety of the dam itself and the devastation of the adjoining villages would result if the dam was breached. This Tera Mori Bandh had been constructed in the days of Emperor Akbar and it had been in disuse for a considerable length of time. No mechanical devices were available for opening the sluice gates and the employees of the Canal Department were themselves unable to open them. At this crucial stage Constable Manphool Singh volunteered to enter the swift current and bodily remove the planks of the sluice gates. With a rope tied round his waist he entered the water and with considerable difficulty and at great personal risk succeeded in removing 14 wooden planks at the gates. Thereafter the current became so swift that he was carried away and had to be pulled out of the water. Two days later more flood water came into the area and would undoubtedly have caused great damage had not the sluice gates been partially dismantled. Constable Manphool Singh displayed great courage and devotion to public service outside the line of his official duty." (No. 15 - Pres/57 of 9 February 1957 in Gazette of India, part I, section 1, 16 February 1957, p. 32.)
 

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