Kolkata, August 7, 2025 — In a heartfelt and Rare gesture for civilian by the Indian Army honored Advocate Mita Banerjee with a prestigious Award of Appreciation in a surprise presentation led by Commanding Officer Amit Kumar of the 15th Battalion, The Bihar Regiment. The award, typically reserved for those with a defence background, was presented in recognition of Banerjee’s unwavering service to the nation — particularly her legal empowerment work with the Indian Army and CRPF.
What made the moment even more powerful was that Mita Banerjee had no prior knowledge of the honour being planned. She was attending the felicitation ceremony at Birla Planetarium,Hello Kolkata, Rare gesture for civilian where she was being recognized by Ashish Basak the chief editor HELLO KOLKATA for her powerful representation at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in Malaysia last month, and for her recent nomination for the Padma Shri 2025.
As the ceremony progressed, CO Amit Kumar took the stage and surprised everyone by announcing that the Indian Army had decided to confer a rare Tamrapatra and Award of Appreciation to Advocate Mita Banerjee— a moment met with gasps, tears, and a standing ovation.
“This award is not just a token of appreciation, it is a mark of respect bestowed upon those who embody the spirit of service to the nation — whether in uniform or not,” said CO Amit Kumar. “Advocate Mita Banerjee tireless efforts in conducting legal literacy seminars for Indian Army and CRPF units, and her advocacy for constitutional rights, make her a deserving recipient of this rare honour.”
The Award of Appreciation is not part of routine civilian recognitions. It is a deeply selective honour, often reserved for individuals with a direct defence background — serving soldiers, officers, or family members of martyrs. Only in exceptional cases is this recognition extended to civilians, after rigorous review by the regiment’s commanding officers.
For years, Advocate Mita Banerjee has conducted legal awareness programs for Indian Army and CRPF personnel, covering topics such as property rights, veterans’ benefits, family law, pensions, and legal recourse for soldiers’ families. Her efforts have helped hundreds of servicemen and their dependents navigate complex legal procedures, often on a pro bono basis.
“This recognition was completely unexpected,” said a visibly moved Banerjee after receiving the award. “To be honoured by the Army — the very institution I hold in the highest regard — is beyond humbling. It is not just an award; it is a reminder that patriotic service wears many uniforms.”
The ceremony was originally organised to felicitate her for representing India at the United Nations General Assembly in Malaysia in July 2025, where her address on legal reform and global peace received standing applause. Her insights on human rights, judicial accountability, and inclusive governance gained praise from diplomats and UN delegates alike.
Her presence at UNGA was viewed as a symbol of India’s growing intellectual influence on the world stage, particularly from women leaders in law and policy.
Adding another layer of prestige, Advocate Mita Banerjee was also recently nominated for the Padma Shri 2025, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours. The nomination acknowledges her long-standing service to society through legal literacy, women’s empowerment, and constitutional advocacy.
At the Birla Planetarium event, this nomination was celebrated by dignitaries from across media, social work, and defence backgrounds. Leaders from Hello Kolkata, Rotary Club Kasba, and Lions Club Magnet, who hosted the event, called her a “true daughter of the soil, whose mind is her might.”
This unexpected honour from the Indian Army is more than just a moment of recognition — it is a statement of unity between India’s armed forces and its civil patriots. It underlines the fact that defending the country doesn’t only happen at the border; it happens in classrooms, courtrooms, and community halls too.
“The law can be the strongest defence system a nation has, when used for justice. I’ll continue to serve wherever I am needed — be it at the UN or in a soldier’s home,” said Banerjee.
With this rare Army recognition, international advocacy, and a Padma Shri nomination — Advocate Mita Banerjee journey is a testament to how patriotism can be both silent and spectacular.