AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the National War Memorial near India Gate here today.
He lighted the eternal flame at the central obelisk in the war memorial complex.
The memorial honours about 26 thousand soldiers, who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation since Independence.
The National War Memorial commemorates the soldiers who participated and made the supreme sacrifice in Peace Keeping Missions and Counter Insurgency Operations.
The complex includes a central obelisk, an eternal flame and six bronze murals depicting famous battles fought by Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. Busts of the 21 awardees of Param Veer Chakra have been installed at Param Yoddha Sthal.
The Prime Minister, in his address to the war veterans ahead of the dedication of the memorial to the nation, said the Indian armed forces is one of the bravest armies in the world.
Mr Modi said, the country’s soldiers have always accepted challenges and have responded efficiently. The Prime Minister said, his government has fulfilled the long-standing demand for the National War Memorial.
The Prime Minister said, his government is working tirelessly to make Indian Armed forces self-reliant. He alleged that armed forces and national security suffered due to the negligence of the previous governments. In a veiled attack at the Congress, Mr Modi accused the party of creating hurdles in the procurement of Rafale fighter jets.
Mr Modi said, one rank one pension for the ex-servicemen have been implemented by this government and so far 35 thousand crore rupees have been distributed towards the scheme.
The Prime Minister also announced setting up of three super speciality hospitals for the armed forces. He also paid tributes to the martyrs of Pulwama terror attack.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, with the inauguration of National War Memorial, Indians now have one more pilgrimage centre to pay tributes to fallen soldiers.