New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, lit the eternal flame at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Spread over 40 acres, the complex is a commemoration of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers since Independence with the names of 25,942 martyrs etched in stone forever. PM Modi will light the flame positioned at the bottom of the stone-made obelisk to pay homage to the soldiers who died in the line of duty.
#WATCH Delhi: PM Narendra Modi,Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three Service Chiefs at the #NationalWarMemorial pic.twitter.com/mb2Myw547Y
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019
PM Modi: Khud ko Bharat ka bhagyavidhata samjhne waale logon ne rashtra ke suraksha se khilwad karne mein koi kasar nahi chodi. In 2009, Forces demanded 1,86,000 bullet-proof jackets, but faced enemies without them. Our govt in 4.5 yrs bought over 2,30,000 bullet-proof jackets pic.twitter.com/OcqsexkpxB
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019
About two and a half decades ago the file of this memorial started moving, for a brief period during Atal ji's regime, the process was expedited but after him, the situation was back to square one: PM Modi.
We know how to change 'impossible' to 'possible': PM Modi.
Modi is not important but the ethos, culture, and sacrifice of this country must be remembered: PM Modi.
In 2009, Forces demanded 1,86,000 bullet-proof jackets but faced enemies without them. Our govt in 4.5 yrs bought over 2,30,000 bullet-proof jackets: PM Modi.
We are continuously working towards making the Army self-reliant, the decisions which were thought to be impossible earlier have now been made possible: PM Modi.
Contribution from all parts of society is necessary in the security of the nation. Because of this ideology, for the 1st time, women are getting the opportunity to become fighter pilots. Decisions are being taken to strengthen the participation of daughters in the forces: PM Modi.
From Bofors to Helicopter deal, all the investigations are pointing to one family, it says a lot, now these people are putting all the efforts to make sure that Rafale aircraft don't arrive in the country: PM Modi.
For some, family was above forces: PM Modi said while taking a dig at Congress
Forces were denied bullet-proof jackets before 2014: PM Modi.
No bulletproof was brought during Congress rule, says PM Modi.
We are bringing transparency in the system, says PM Modi.
The demand for a National War Memorial has been there for many decades, in the last decade there were one or two attempts but nothing concrete could happen, with the help of your blessing we started the process in 2014: PM Modi.
Our government is all set to build three super specialty hospitals: PM Modi.
OROP has changed the lives of every soldiers: PM Modi.
The long wait of every Indian is going to end today, says PM Modi at Major Dhyan Chand stadium
In 2014, we started the process to build National War Memorial: PM Modi.
Our soldiers have always accepted challenges: PM Modi.
I salute every war veterans who are present at this event today, says Nirmala Sitharaman.
The war memorial will keep reminding us the valour, pride and dedicated selfless service of our soldiers and will inspire others to pay their respects and be soldier themselves: Defence Minister @nsitharaman #NationalWarMemorial
Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/IwKKuwv4q1 pic.twitter.com/pEzJcTEn4k
— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 25, 2019
When you go home, tell them of us, for your tomorrow we gave our today: Nirmala Sitharaman
National War Memorial will inspire the whole nation, says Nirmala Sitharaman.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Major Dhyan Chand stadium
The National War Memorial, near India Gate in New Delhi, is a fitting tribute to our soldiers who laid down their lives defending the nation, post-independence. pic.twitter.com/FM7SDAATC6
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 24, 2019
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 complex includes a central obelisk, an eternal flame, and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. pic.twitter.com/W33qo5tzzL
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 24, 2019
Busts of the 21 awardees of Param Veer Chakra have been installed at Param Yoddha Sthal which includes three living awardees Sub Maj (Hony Capt) Bana Singh (Retd), Sub Major Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sub Sanjay Kumar. pic.twitter.com/e1dGfvYwmG
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 24, 2019
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
The main structure has been built in the form of four chakras, each signifying different values of the armed forces.
The obelisk stands at a height of 15.5 metres and is visible even from a distance as one enters the complex.
Surrounding it is Veerta Chakra with six bronze murals depicting different battle actions. Each mural weight between 600kg and 1,000kg.
Tyag Chakra which surrounds it has been made entirely of granite bricks, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier since Independence.
Statues of 21 awardees of Param Veer Chakra have also been installed in the National War Memorial.
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.
The names of 25,942 fallen heroes, along with their rank and regiment, are inscribed in the 16 walls of the memorial.