
So far, 21 bravehearts of India have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the country’s highest gallantry award for their acts of extraordinary and selfless bravery in combat.
But the person who designed this prestigious medal of valour was a Swiss-born woman, Eve Yvonne Maday de Maros, who later changed her name to Savitri Bai Khanolkar. Her story is very interesting.
She was born in Switzerland to a Hungarian father and Russian mother on 20th July, 1913. As a teenager in 1929, she met Vikram Khanolkar and fell in love, while Vikram undergoing training at the Royal Military Academy in the UK was visiting Switzerland during a term break. Despite resistance from her parents, she came to India later and married Vikram in 1932.

She quickly immersed herself in the study of Indian culture, history, legends, mythology and traditions and learned to speak fluently Hindi, Marathi and Sanskrit. She mastered Indian music, dance, art and painting.
Looking to her deep knowledge of Indian culture and Hindu religious scriptures including Vedas, she was given the responsibilty of designing the PVC to replace the Victoria Cross. The great Hindu warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s sword ‘Bhavani’ found a place on the disc enclosed within Indra’s mythological weapon ‘Vajra’ from both sides that truly symbolise the highest bravery.

This was introduced on 26th January, 1950, the first Republic Day of India. Incidentally, the first recipient was Major Somnath Sharma, a distant relative of Savitribai Khanolkar.
She also designed other bravery medals too like The Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. She got herself involved in a lot of social activities like helping the families of martyrs and refugees.
Savitribai also wrote a book on the “Saints of Maharashtra“, which is still popular in Maharashtra.
After her husband’s demise in 1952, she found refuge in spirituality and joined the Ramakrishna Math. This noble lady breathed her last on 26th November, 1990 after leading a remarkable journey.

–Kaushal Kishore
V informative and interesting post sir. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤓
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So glad to hear that, Nitin ji. Thank you🙏💐
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Wybór serca jest zawsze tym, prowadzącym nas właściwą ścieżkę życia. Bez znaczenia jest, czy ten wybór dotyczy partnera życiowego, zawodu, pracy, miejsca zamieszkania i czy innej jeszcze ważkiej decyzji w życiu. Rozum zwodzi nas zimną kalkulacja, ale serce wie lepiej.
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You’re absolutely right, our mind may deceive us, but the heart knows better and guides correctly. This case goes to prove it. So lovely to have your thoughtful words here. Thank you.
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Great post, KK.Very interesting story. Thanks for sharing.💕
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Thank you, Grace! I’m elated you think so 😊💖
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I sure do. My pleasure.💕
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Thank you, Kaushal, for introducing the fascinating woman whose life story would make
a wonderful film, because she is not known to many people outside India. Her ability to learn and wholly love the country seven seas away from what was her country of birth is an inspiration and resonates with me as I regard India with great affection too.
Your story also invites the question of what makes some people identify with a different “everything”; the language, religion, history, both ancient and modern, and lifestyle?
Joanna
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Thank you, Joanna, for your touching words and deep reflections. In India too, many people don’t know about her. A film will certainly bring awareness about this great soul. As for your question, what I perceive is that it all starts with the genuine love for a person, and thereafter his or her family, language, traditions, culture, religion and then “everything.” Love is blind, as they say.
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You are right, Kaushal, just one thing, I am not Grace…
Joanna
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Sorry, sorry, Joanna, I corrected it.
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Swiss-born but found true love in an Indian man. 🥰🥰🥰 I liked how she truly embraced the Indian culture. She’s amazing!
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Yes, Adelheid, that made her someone different. Thank you for reading and appreciating the post 😊💖
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Fascinating. A true trailblazer for women everywhere. Thanks for the share. ✨
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So happy to hear that, Nancy. Thanks a lot 😊💐
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lovely story KK! 💖
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Thank you, Cindy 💖💐🌹
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You’re so welcome 💖🌹
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Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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Thanks so much!!
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Such an interesting story. I love how this woman immersed herself in a culture she was drawn to. I worked at an Indian/Pakastani newspaper and truly enjoyed learning about the different languages, foods, religions, and cultures. Fascinating.
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Yes, it’s really creditable. Assimilating entirely a new way of life is difficult, but she did it and excelled. You’re right, so many languages, so many dialects, variations are everywhere, but that’s the beauty, spice of life. Thank you for reading and sharing your beautiful reflections.
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Thank you for sharing
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It’s my pleasure 😊
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