Last R-Day salute at Amar Jawan Jyoti this year? | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Last R-Day salute at Amar Jawan Jyoti this year?

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | BySudhi Ranjan Sen
Jan 17, 2019 07:39 AM IST

Remembering fallen soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti started in January 1972, days after Bangladesh was liberated from Pakistan in December 1971. It honours the 3,843 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War and was started by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

This year may mark the last time the traditional Republic Day salute to fallen Indian soldiers is given at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which stands underneath India Gate, according to a senior defence ministry official who did not want to be named.

The under-construction National War Memorial in New Delhi.(Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)
The under-construction National War Memorial in New Delhi.(Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

From next year, this ceremony which precedes the parade is likely to move to the National War Memorial, this person added.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Remembering fallen soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti started in January 1972, days after Bangladesh was liberated from Pakistan in December 1971. It honours the 3,843 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Bangladesh Liberation War and was started by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

India Gate, a monument of the British Raj, honours over a million Indian soldiers who fought in World War 1 and the Anglo-Afghan wars.

The National War Memorial, a key poll promise of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, is almost ready, a second senior defence ministry official said on condition of anonymity. It is a monument that will pay homage to over 26,000 Indian soldiers who have fallen during various wars since Independence. The National War Memorial is built at the India Gate’s C-hexagon and is spread over 40 acres, with four landscaped concentric circles named Amar, Veer, Tyag and Raksha (immortality, bravery, sacrifice and protection). It will also feature the busts of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.

Although there was a plan to open the National War Memorial before Republic Day, the government eventually decided otherwise. One reason for this could be that the memorial is just getting ready. The other, according to the second officer, was “perhaps because the government wanted to avoid another uncalled-for political controversy when general elections are around the corner”.

All national-level functions will shift to the National War Memorial once it is opened to the public, the second defence ministry official said. “The eternal flame at Amar Jawan Jyoti will continue to burn and be used for functions and ceremonies other than those that are national level,” he added.

“It is a very welcome move, but the opening of the National War Memorial should have all representatives from all three services, gallantry awardees, veterans and even representatives of political parties,” noted military historian Mandeep Singh Bajwa said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On