National War Memorial

Introduction

The National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak) was inaugurated in January 2019 to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives in the service of the nation since Independence. It is located in New Delhi, near India Gate, and serves as the country's foremost monument dedicated to its fallen heroes.

Architectural Design

The memorial is designed in the form of four concentric chakras, each representing a distinct value of the Indian Armed Forces.

Amar Chakra

The Amar Chakra forms the innermost circle of the memorial and houses the 15.5-metre-high obelisk along with the eternal flame (Amar Jyoti). It symbolises the immortality, courage, and eternal spirit of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Veerta Chakra

Surrounding the Amar Chakra is the Veerta Chakra, which showcases six massive bronze murals depicting some of the most significant military operations and battle actions of the Indian Armed Forces. These murals celebrate the valour, bravery, and operational excellence of Indian soldiers.

Tyag Chakra

The Tyag Chakra consists of granite walls engraved with the names of every soldier who has laid down his or her life in the line of duty since Independence. It symbolises the selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment of the nation's brave warriors.

Rakshak Chakra

The Rakshak Chakra, forming the outermost ring, is made up of more than 600 trees that create a protective green enclosure around the memorial. It represents the soldiers who stand as the protective shield of the nation, safeguarding India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Param Yodha Sthal

Adjacent to the main memorial is the Param Yodha Sthal, which honours all 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime gallantry award. Each hero is commemorated with a bronze statue, accompanied by informative plaques describing their extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice.

Significance

The National War Memorial stands as a symbol of national gratitude, patriotism, and remembrance, preserving the legacy of India's fallen soldiers while inspiring future generations to uphold the values of service, courage, sacrifice, and duty toward the nation.