A Legacy of Valor: IRS Officer & Territorial Army Lt. Col. Pradeep Shoury Arya Conferred with Sena Medal (Gallantry) 2026
In a historic moment for India’s civil services and the Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Shoury Arya—a distinguished Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer—has been awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. This recognition, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, celebrates Lt. Col. Arya’s extraordinary bravery during high-risk counter-narco-terror operations.
With this award, Lt. Col. Arya achieves a monumental milestone as the first civil servant and IRS officer to receive the Sena Medal for gallantry, epitomizing the rare synergy between administrative duty and frontline military service.
Operational Bravery: Countering Narco-Terrorism
While the intricate details of his missions remain classified for national security, the citation highlights his pivotal role in neutralizing threats at the intersection of narcotics and terrorism.
Inter-Agency Synergy: Lt. Col. Arya operated in close coordination with the Assam Rifles, demonstrating tactical brilliance in volatile environments.
Gallantry in Action: The award recognizes his individual courage and unwavering devotion to duty during active military engagements that were critical to safeguarding national integrity.
The 2026 Honors: He is among 44 personnel to receive the Sena Medal (Gallantry) this year, standing alongside 70 other gallantry awardees, including recipients of the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra.
A Dual Life: From Tax Commissioner to Paratrooper
Lt. Col. Arya’s career is a masterclass in multidisciplinary excellence. A member of the 2004 IRS batch, he currently serves as the Commissioner of Income-Tax, where he oversees fiscal compliance and revenue administration.
Military Pedigree:
Regiment: He serves with the elite Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army (Unit: 106 Infantry Battalion TA PARA).
Previous Accolades: This is not his first brush with glory; he was previously honored with the Shaurya Chakra in 2018 for thwarting an infiltration bid in Kashmir and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished service.
Education: His background is equally formidable, boasting degrees from IIM Bangalore, LSE, and Duke University, along with a PhD in Development Economics. He is also a certified commercial pilot and a legal advocate.
Symbol of National Pride
The IRS Association has hailed Lt. Col. Arya as a beacon of inspiration, stating that his achievement brings immense pride to the service. His journey sends a powerful message: the defense of the nation is a shared responsibility that transcends traditional boundaries.
“Every time I go there, I have to tell myself that I am not an IRS officer… The men respect a leader who can give his life for them.” — Lt. Col. Pradeep Shoury Arya
