Meet Lt Col Pradeep Shoury Arya: First Civil Servant to Receive Sena Medal (Gallantry)
In the realm of public service, few individuals embody the seamless integration of civil administration and military valor as profoundly as Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Shoury Arya. As an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer from the 2004 batch and a Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army's Parachute Regiment, Lt Col Arya has recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first civil servant to be awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry). This distinction, conferred by the President of India on the eve of the 77th Republic Day in 2026, recognizes his exceptional contributions to operations combating narco-terrorism.
Early Life and Educational Background
Lt Col Arya's journey is marked by academic excellence and diverse pursuits. He is an alumnus of several prestigious institutions, including the Indian Military Academy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, the London School of Economics, and Duke University. Holding a PhD and serving as a post-doctoral fellow in Development Economics, he has cultivated a broad intellectual foundation that informs his professional endeavors. His multifaceted profile also includes qualifications as a commercial pilot and an advocate, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and versatility.
Professional Career in Civil Service
Currently serving as Commissioner of Income-Tax, Lt Col Arya has demonstrated exemplary leadership within the IRS. His role involves overseeing critical aspects of fiscal policy and enforcement, contributing to national revenue management with precision and integrity. This civilian expertise has proven invaluable in inter-agency collaborations, particularly in areas intersecting with national security.
Military Service and Valor
Commissioned into the Territorial Army, Lt Col Arya holds the designation TA-42579P and serves with the elite Parachute Regiment. His military career is distinguished by active participation in high-risk operations. Prior to the Sena Medal, he was honored with the Shaurya Chakra in 2018 for gallantry during his tenure as a Captain, as well as the Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service. The recent Sena Medal specifically acknowledges his role in multiple narco-terror operations conducted alongside the Assam Rifles, in coordination with other government entities. While operational details remain classified for security reasons, these missions underscore his courage and strategic acumen in addressing threats to national integrity.
This award places him among 70 gallantry honorees recognized in 2026, including recipients of the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra, highlighting the caliber of his contributions within the Armed Forces.
Personal Interests and Inspirational Legacy
Beyond his professional achievements, Lt Col Arya maintains an active lifestyle, with interests in biking that complement his adventurous spirit as a paratrooper. His family, including his wife Sharada N Arya, has publicly expressed pride in his accomplishments, noting his unwavering dedication to duty. Such personal narratives humanize his profile, illustrating the balance between rigorous service and personal fulfillment.
Lt Col Pradeep Shoury Arya's career exemplifies the potential for individuals to excel across domains, inspiring future generations of public servants and military personnel. His historic recognition as the first civil servant to receive the Sena Medal (Gallantry) not only honors his individual valor but also reinforces the synergy between civil and defense sectors in safeguarding the nation.
