The National War Memorial to be inaugurated today is a complex which pays tribute to famous battles fought by the Army, the Air Force and the Navy. The complex spreads across 40 acres, includes a central pillar, an eternal flame, and six bronze murals.
The design of the National War Memorial has a layout comprising four concentric circles, namely, the ‘Amar Chakra’ or Circle of Immortality, the ‘Veerta Chakra’ or Circle of Bravery, the ‘Tyag Chakra’ or Circle of Sacrifice, and the ‘Rakshak Chakra’ or Circle of Protection.
The National War Memorial will not replace the Amar Jawan Jyoti which was built in 1972 underneath the India Gate arch to commemorate soldiers killed in the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The memorial will remain intact, a senior army officer told the news agency PTI.
“The prime minister will dedicate the memorial to the nation tomorrow at a solemn function. The defence minister, chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be among the dignitaries present on the occasion,” the officer was quoted by PTI as saying.
PM Modi spoke about the memorial in his ”Mann ki Baat” programme on Sunday, saying not having such a memorial always pained and surprised him.
“I do believe that for our countrymen, a visit to the National War Memorial will be akin to a pilgrimage to a holy place. The national soldiers” memorial is a symbol of the nation’s gratitude to those men who made the supreme sacrifice after we gained Independence,” he said.
25,942 names of fallen soldiers are present in National War Memorial, Delhi.
The tribute paid to martyred soldiers on January 26 and August 15 at Amar Jawan Jyoti from hereon will take place at National War Memorial.
Here’s first few looks of the National War Memorial inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday:
Stay tuned for more updates!
