Republic Day 2024: PM Modi pays tributes at National War Memorial; Here's everything you need to know its significance (2024)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 75th Republic Day by offering tributes to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Leading the nation in a solemn ceremony, Modi laid a wreath at the iconic memorial, inaugurated by him in 2019.

Honoring Sacrifices at National War Memorial

PM Modi Commemorates Heroes

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation at the National War Memorial, an iconic structure inaugurated by him in 2019. The memorial stands as a tribute to those who lost their lives in significant conflicts, including the India-China War in 1962, India-Pak Wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971, Kargil Conflict in 1999, and UN peacekeeping missions.

Architectural Marvel of Remembrance
Spread across approximately 40 acres, the National War Memorial boasts four concentric circles - 'Amar Chakra,' 'Veerta Chakra,' 'Tyag Chakra,' and 'Rakshak Chakra.' The names of 25,942 soldiers are inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets. The memorial also features a central 15.5-metre obelisk, an eternal flame, and bronze murals depicting historic battles fought by the Indian Armed Forces.

Amar Jawan Jyoti: A Symbol of Immortality

Historical Significance
The Amar Jawan Jyoti, conceptualized after the 1971 India-Pakistan war and unveiled on January 26, 1972, serves as a poignant reminder of soldiers' sacrifices. Translating to 'Immortal Soldier Flame,' it was renamed the National Memorial of India until February 2019, when a new National War Memorial was inaugurated in New Delhi.

Merging Flames for Legacy
On January 21, 2022, the older flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti was merged with the new flame at the National War Memorial. Described as an inverted bayonet with a helmet structure, the memorial symbolizes harmony with the existing layout and symmetry of the Kartavya Path and Central Vista.

Structural Details
The structure comprises a 15-square-foot base with a height of 4 feet 3 inches, topped by a 3 feet 2 inches black marble pedestal inscribed with "Amar Jawan" in Hindi with gold lettering on all sides.

All You Need to Know about Amar Jawan Jyoti Flame

Symbolic Burners

Significance of National War Memorial

Gratitude and Unity

Testimony to Sacrifices
The memorial serves as a powerful testimony to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during various conflicts, United Nations Operations, Humanitarian Assistance, and Disaster Response Operations since Independence. It is a poignant reminder of the valor and dedication that defines the Indian Armed Forces.

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