The Tamil Nadu Government has honoured Lance Naik A. Meenatchi Sundaram, a recipient of the Kirti Chakra, with a cash reward of ₹48 lakh. The award recognises the outstanding courage he displayed during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, ranking just below the Ashoka Chakra. The State's gesture acknowledges the contribution of soldiers from Tamil Nadu to national security and encourages young people to consider careers in the armed forces.