Shimla, Aug. 15 -- Two Himachal Pradesh Home Guard personnel were awarded Presidential Medals for distinguished and meritorious service on the occasion of Independence Day 2026. Honorary Company Commander Prem Raj, 7th Battalion, Kullu, has received the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM). Enrolled in the Home Guards in 1992, he has completed more than 33 years of service. He has contributed to logistics, equipment management, training, firefighting and disaster response. Between 1999 and 2006, he provided firefighting training to police personnel in Lahaul-Spiti and has also supported civil defence and law-and-order duties. Honorary Platoon Commander Khem Chand, 3rd Battalion, Shimla, has received the President's Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). He joined the Home Guards in 1987 and has served for more than three decades. He has contributed to training, operational preparedness and ceremonial duties, served as an instructor at BTC Sunni, participated in national-level sports meets and performed important deployments, including at Rashtrapati Niwas. DG-cum-Commandant General Satwant Atwal, IPS, congratulated both awardees and said their dedication would inspire other personnel....