Archidust Journal

National War Memorial of India: A Peep Into The History :-
1. India Gate. The iconic India Gate in Lutyen’s Delhi was constructed in 1931 by erstwhile British empire to commemorate the Martyrs of India during World War I as well as Third Anglo-Afghan War. It stands tall as a must visit monument for visitors in New Delhi. Of over 83,000 Indians who laid down their lives, India Gate bears 13,516 names, etched all over the monument.

2. Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ). An inverted bayonet with a helmet structure along with AJJ was installed over night under the Arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India’s victory in India – Pakistan War 1971 and as Nation’s tribute to our brave soldiers who laid down their lives. Wreaths have been laid at AJJ ever since on dignitaries at various occasions, including by foreign dignitaries.

3. Post Independence Era Battle Casualties. Post India’s independence on 15th August 1947, our country has been involved in many conflicts of different magnitudes and participated in innumerable operations both inland and overseas. Our country continues to engage in counter-terrorism operations and proxy war from across the front resulting in number of battle casualties. While a number of area/battle specific memorials are built across the country, but no memorial existed that was all encompassing.

4. Decision to Construct National War Memorial. The requirement to construct a National War Memorial had been under consideration since 1961 at the apex level. The consideration acquired momentum in 2014 and after a deliberate process the Union Cabinet on 07 October 2015 approved construction of National War Memorial & Museum (NWM&M) within the National capital’s Lutyen’s zone. Given the present ceremonial use of India Gate and AJJ, area East of the India Gate around the Canopy at ‘C’ Hexagon in New Delhi was found to be the most suited site for the Memorial.

5. Process of Creation. A two stage Global competition to select a suitable design for the Memorial was held in 2016-17. Shri Yogesh Chandrasan of WeBe Design Lab Chennai, won the Global competition for his design and was appointed Project Consultant. Necessary sanctions from statuary besides consultations with urban bodies in Delhi were held and a Detailed Project Report was prepared. M/s NCC Ltd was awarded the contract on 25 January 2018 and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) executed the project on behalf of Ministry of Defence. The monument was dedicated by the Nation to the Armed Forces of India on 25 Feb 2019 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.