Delhi Gets National War Memorial-10 Things To Know

Even as our country is facing onslaught from terrorism and strained relations with its neighbouring country after the Pulwama attack, a memorial to remember the soldiers who have laid down their lives to protect our nation has been erected in the capital city of Delhi.

What Is Its History?

The National War Memorial was proposed way back in 1960 by the armed forces. But it was only in 2006 that the Defence Ministry finally decided that it should be set up after examining the demands of the armed forces veterans as well. After the UPA government;s failure to set it up during its tenure, Modi government made it an agenda and finally the proposal to build it was passed in 2015. Ultimately, the memorial was inaugurated on 25 February 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Who Has Designed It?

After a global design competition was held was held to decide the design, the proposal by Chennai based WeBe Design Lab was selected among 427 submissions. The award-winning firm was engaged in conceptualising the architectural design of the National War Memorial and coordinating its construction which was handled by NCC Ltd. of Hyderabad. The chief architect of the project is Yogesh Chandrahasan.

Why Did We Need A National War Memorial?

The idea behind the National War Memorial, as its architect says, was not to mourn the death of the soldiers but to celebrate their life and to pay respect to their sacrifices. Ceremonies related to martyrs will now take place here instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Where Is It Located?

The National War Memorial, spread over an area of 40 acres, is located inside the India Gate complex at Rajpath in Delhi.

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How To Reach?

You can reach the memorial by getting down at the Central Secretariat metro station on the yellow line or take an auto from the Barakhamba metro station.

What’s Inside The National War Memorial?

The National War Memorial has several structures. Its outermost circle, named the Rakshak Chakra, comprises of 600 trees which symbolises the soldiers who protect the territorial integrity of our country. Within this are two circles called the Tyag Chakra. These are dedicated to the soldiers who were martyred in wars with China and Pakistan as well as during IPKF operation in Sri Lanka. There are 16 walls inlaid with 25, 942 granite tablets that bear the name, ID number and regiment name of the fallen soldier. These are arranged in chakravyuh war formation. Veerta Chakra of the memorial is a covered gallery having bronze murals depicting the battles of Gangasagar, Longewala, Tithwal, Rezang La and operations Meghdoot and Trident. There is a landscaped garden named the Param Yodha Sthal, which is located to the northwest of the memorial. It has bronze busts of 21 Param Vir Chakra recipients. An eternal flame just like Amar Jawan Jyoti has also been placed at the memorial.

What’s The Cost Of Its Construction?

A total of 175 crore has been spent in making the memorial.

What’s The Entry Fee?

There is no fee for entry to the memorial but there are fixed timings for entry to the main area and Param Yodha Sthal.

How Is It Different From The India Gate?

While India Gate was built in the pre-Independence era to honour the memory of British Indian soldiers who had died during the First World War and Third Anglo-Afghan wars, the National War Memorial is a post- Independence era structure totally built indigenously.

What They Said

A lot of political mud-slinging began from the opposition around the inauguration even as supporters of the Modi government tweeted out support for the National War Memorial.

National War Memorial represents the culmination of the collective aspiration of a grateful nation to pay a fitting tribute to the martyrs. pic.twitter.com/HmNpDpsysu

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 24, 2019

Credit to the PM Modi for building a national war memorial after 70 years. Disappointed with politician Modi for politicising the occasion by making a blatantly political speech at the inauguration.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 25, 2019

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