T.N. government’s Anna Medal for Gallantry awarded to fire services personnel, late braveheart for saving lives from drowning
The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government honours heroes with Anna Medal for Gallantry, recognising bravery in lifesaving rescues during drowning and flash floods.
Tamil Nadu government’s Anna Medal for Gallantry 2026 was posthumously awarded to Peter Johnson who died while saving two youngsters from drowning in Thamirabharani river last year, on the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations in Chennai on Monday (January 26, 2026).
Earlier on June 1 in 2025, Johnson was near the check dam across Thamirabharani river in Kuzhithurai in Kanniyakumari district when he noticed two youngsters Mano (17) and Akhilesh (12) slipping into the river.
Johnson jumped into the river and rescued both the youngsters by making them get into the bank safely. “But, Thiru. (Late) Peter Johnson was caught by the heavy river stream and succumbed to death,” the citation read. His wife A. Jessie received the medal from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
Three men belonging to the Fire and Rescue Services department — fireman driver V. Sankar, fireman S. Rameshkumar and fireman P. Suresh — who rescued three persons whose vehicle was caught in a flash floods in Dharmagiri, also received the Anna Medal for Gallantry.
On May 25 last year, three persons in a car were proceeding to Dharmagiri via Periasolai. A flash flood on Pandyar river struck the road and the three persons were trapped in the flood. The three climbed on to the car’s roof and were fighting for their lives. Mr. Sankar, Mr. Rameshkumar and Mr. Suresh bravely jumped into the river and saved the three, the citation read.
The Anna Medal for Gallantry carries a cheque for ₹1 lakh, a medal worth ₹9,000 and a certificate.
LPG refill backlogs now range from 4 to 12 days as panic bookings decline amid ongoing restrictions, say distributors.
Acid attack on a minor girl sparks protests and Assembly outrage, with demands for swift justice and government accountability.
Three luxury cars were destroyed in a fire at a Vellore workshop, damaging nearby houses but causing no injuries.
Kerala's Pala constituency braces for a high-stakes three-way battle in the 2026 Assembly elections amid evolving political dynamics.
Delhi CM announces ₹10 lakh compensation for families of fire victims in Palam, pledging a magisterial probe for safety improvements.
As Tamil Nadu's assembly elections approach, Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni voters demand better civic solutions and security amid a competitive political landscape.
Justice Kurian Joseph urges graduates to value dignity over status and promote equality and respect in society.
Supriya Sahu highlights the ongoing gender disparities in skill training opportunities for women at FICCI FLO's ceremony.
Height restrictions near airports are stifling Bengaluru's growth, prompting calls for a review to boost development potential.
Meta challenges Delhi HC ruling on CCPA fine for walkie-talkie sales, arguing Facebook is not an e-commerce platform.
U. Nirmala Rani, AIDWA leader and advocate, passes away at 60, leaving a legacy in women's rights and justice.
‘Serve society with honesty and sincerity’
Jagan attends Iftar in Vijayawada, promoting unity, harmony, and communal respect during the sacred month of Ramzan.