PHOTOGRAPHY, LIFE EXPERIENCE, FREEDOM
National War Memorial
Gratitude of the Nation to its Armed Forces
The enemy are only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round- Major Somnath Sharma
My country, India celebrates 74th Republic Day on January 26 with great fervor and enthusiasm— one nation but with a kaleidoscopic variety in every sphere right from topography, food to language and rich cultural heritage.
One of the oldest civilizations of the world, India gained Independence in August 15, 1947. However, it declared itself a sovereign, democratic, republic state with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.
Every year since then, the day is celebrated with events like parades, cultural shows, rallies, etc. There are several colorful events on the Kartavya Path including military parades and other activities like school children showcasing their talents and much more.
On this auspicious day, I am sharing my recent visit to National War Memorial (NWM) (Rashtriya Samar Smarak) located in New Delhi.
The moment I stepped into the premises, I developed an immediate connect with the site, and with the soldiers in whose memory the war memorial was established on February 25, 2019.
And this is not unlikely!
Why because a deep sense of gratitude and moving experience get invoked in anyone who would pay a visit to this must-visit monument of New Delhi.
Since Independence, more than 26,000 soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces had sacrificed their lives during various conflicts, United Nations Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations.
Apart from the main memorial, there is a separate area for busts of soldiers who have been conferred with Param Vir Chakra, the nation’s highest gallantry award till date.
The design of the main memorial focuses on the supreme sacrifice made by a soldier in the line of duty.
The memorial complex is in harmony with the existing layout and symmetry of the majestic Kartavya Path (the erstwhile Rajpath) and Central Vista.
With every step you take, you soul would be filled with gratitude realizing every soldier is immortal and that the spirit of a soldier remains eternal, protecting us and the nation to the truest of the term.
The design of the memorial has a unique scheme of four concentric circles with distinct features and significance:
Amar Chakra or the Circle of Immortality
This is the fourth and the innermost circle with an obelisk with eternal flame symbolizing the immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers with the assurance that the nation will never forget their sacrifices.
Veerta Chakra or the Circle of Bravery
The third circle exemplifies the bravery of Indian forces in the form of a covered gallery that exhibits six bronze murals depicting valiant battle actions of Indian Armed Forces.
Tyag Chakra or the Circle of Sacrifice
The second circle with circular concentric walls of honor symbolizing the ancient war formation, Chakravyuh. The walls are clad with granite tablets etched in golden letters where each granite tablet is dedicated to individual soldier who had made the supreme sacrifice.
Raksha Chakra or the Circle of Protection
The first and the outermost circle made of rows of trees in the Raksha Chakra is a reassurance to us, the citizens of the country, about our safety against any threat. Each tree represents soldiers who safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation, 24x7.
The routine activities of the NWM include Retreat Drill just before sunset, Change of Guard Ceremony and band display before Retreat Drill every Sunday, Band displays at Public Plaza on important occasions, organized visits by Scout & Guides, NCC Cadets, Schools, National Integration Tours, Colleges etc., Public/Routine visitors.
If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death- Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
Apart from these, wreath is being laid every day during Retreat Ceremony by invited next of kin of the battle casualties.
The ceremonial occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day, Army, Air Force and Navy Days, etc. are observed with reverence and patriotic fervor.
The white light plays an important role in creating a warm ambience for the visitors.
The lighting scheme of every chakra or circle of NWM is of utter importance.
While the Amar Chakra’s lighting scheme highlights purity created around the obelisk and the eternal flame, the theme of Veerta Chakra reflects bravery and victory.
The Tyag Chakra’s lighting scheme illuminates the inscribed names of the soldiers highlighting their supreme sacrifices and the Raksha Chakra’s lighting emphasizes on solidity and duality.
While completing the visit I was exiting the monument, an all-immersive and evocative environment embraced me and it lingered on…
Salute to all the bravehearts who fought like a lion!
Jay Hind, Jay Bharat (Hail India)!!
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles- Sun Tzu
Much love JoAnn Ryan for considering my write-up for your esteemed publication, In Living Color.
A bunch of some amazing storytellers:
Ravyne| Jan| David| Jason| JoAnn| Anne| Jillian| Katie| Mukundarajan| Indra| Nancy| Vidya| Penny| Cristina| Mary| Sandi| Adrienne| Dr. Preeti| Lucy| pockett| Osan| Linda| Ellie| Dennett| The Sturg| Christine| Donna| Rhonda| Kristina| Erika| Sherry| Denise| Pam| Nicole| Alize| Jennifer| Mulan| Amy| Jennifer| Graham
It’s kind of a double delight this January 26. Apart from celebrating Indian Republic Day, the nation also celebrates Vasant Panchami, or Saraswati Puja in reverence to the goddess of knowledge, learning and wisdom and the onset of Spring season.
May the auspicious occasion of Vasant Panchami bring the wealth of knowledge to you, may you be blessed by Goddess Saraswati and all your good wishes come true.
May the sense of belonging, high moral values, sacrifice and national pride in us prevail and may there be gratitude in our neurons toward the freedom fighters for their extraordinary valor and sacrifice toward the nation.
