The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration awarded for the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy, similar to the British Victoria Cross, US Medal of Honor, Pakistani Nishan-e-Haider, or French Legion of Honor or Russian Cross of St. George.

Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in India.

Explanation:

Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded for the displaying of the highest degree of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.

The award was established on 26th January 1950 and is awarded for the highest degree of gallantry in times of war, whether on land, at sea or in the air. The award is made to members of the armed forces, including posthumously, and to civilians who have displayed conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy.

The award has been conferred on 21 members of the Indian Army, four members of the Indian Air Force, and one member of the Indian Navy. The first Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Major Somnath Sharma posthumously for his bravery during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948.

The award consists of a circular bronze medal with four replicas of Indra's Vajra embossed on the medal. The medal is suspended from a straight swivelling suspension bar and is named on the rim in English and Hindi. The medal is worn on the left chest with a half-blue and half-orange riband, about 3.2 cm in width.

In conclusion, the Param Vir Chakra is the highest gallantry award in India, and it is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.