Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, paid solemn tributes to the nation's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in the capital.
Accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Modi laid a wreath at the iconic memorial, which was inaugurated under his leadership in 2019. He was escorted by the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Chiefs during the ceremony.
The solemn proceedings commenced with the Guard Commander giving the command for the 'Salami Shastra', followed by the poignant 'Shok Shastra', as buglers sounded the 'Last Post'.
A two-minute silence was observed by dignitaries and officers in uniform, paying their respects to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
The silence was concluded with the buglers sounding the 'Rouse', after which the Guard Commander resumed the ceremonial 'Salami Shastra'.
The prime minister also signed the Visitors’ Book before proceeding to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to join the Republic Day parade.
The National War Memorial, spanning approximately 40 acres in the India Gate complex, stands as a testament to the sacrifices of 25,942 soldiers whose names are inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets.
It commemorates those martyred during the India-China War of 1962, the India-Pakistan wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Indian Peacekeeping Force operations in Sri Lanka, the Kargil Conflict of 1999, and UN peacekeeping missions.
The memorial's design features four concentric circles: the 'Amar Chakra' (Circle of Immortality), 'Veerta Chakra' (Circle of Bravery), 'Tyag Chakra' (Circle of Sacrifice), and 'Rakshak Chakra' (Circle of Protection).
At its heart stands a 15.5-metre obelisk bearing an eternal flame, flanked by six bronze murals that vividly depict the Army, Navy, and Air Force's heroism in various battles.
Follow us
