The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. Civilians are not eligble for this honour. Victoria Cross the highest award for gallantry in the British empire—was extended to Indians in 1911. In June 1948 it was decided to institute new Indian awards for gallantry and the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) was one of those.