Original Samanya Seva Medal With Clasp NATHULA-CHOLA 1967 ( Named-as Issued )

Overview

The Samanya Seva Medal 1965—also called the General Service Medal 1965—is a service medal of the Indian Armed Forces. Established on 8 May 1975 and effective from 26 January 1965, it’s awarded for active service in operations that do not have a dedicated campaign medal. Each operation is recognized by a clasp affixed to the medal. One such clasp is “Nathula‑Chola”, marking service in the border clashes at Nathu La (11–16 September 1967) and Cho La (1 October 1967).

Eligibility and Award Criteria

• Awarded to all ranks of the Army, Navy, Air Force, reserve and militia forces, as well as civilians and security personnel under operational control.

• On first qualification, the recipient receives the medal with the clasp inscription, and in subsequent operations, additional clasps are awarded independently.

• To earn the ‘Nathula‑Chola’ clasp, personnel needed to serve for at least one day during those specific border incidents—air force members by means of a single operational sortie.

Design & Appearance

• Medal: Circular, 35 mm diameter, made of cupro-nickel.

• Obverse: Features the State Emblem (Ashokan lions) with inscriptions in Hindi and English: SAMANYA SEVA MEDAL, 1965.

• Reverse: Displays an Indian elephant—a symbol drawn from the Presidential standard.

• Ribbon: Dark green with three vertical stripes (red, dark blue, light blue), each approximately 3 mm wide and equally spaced.

Precedence

The Samanya Seva Medal ranks below the General Service Medal 1947 and above the Special Service Medal.

Collector Significance

Collectors consider the ‘Nathula‑Chola 1967’ clasp especially rare and significant—highlighted both by the specific historical context and limited issuance. As one collector remarked in a military collectors’ forum: > “probably THE rarest GSM clasp.”

1. 100% Original & Genuine – This medal is completely authentic, ensuring quality and collector’s value.

2.Named as Mentioned – The medal will carry the exact name or title as specified in the listing.

3.What You See is What You Get – The medal you receive will be exactly as shown in the photo – no substitutes or replicas.

4.Perfect for Collectors & Enthusiasts – A great addition to any collection, or an ideal piece for historical or personal interest.