A Homage to Our Brave Soldiers
Two friends share their feelings about brave soldiers. One
of them shares her experience of visiting the National War
Memorial that has left a deep impact on her. They exchange
letters and share their feelings of gratitude for the freedom
they enjoy because of the sacrifices made by the bravehearts of
the country. The memorial symbolises the patriotism of Indian
soldiers. Which is this memorial?
House No…
Jayanagar
Bengaluru
14 April 20XX
Dear Ananda,
Hope you are all doing well!
Do you remember our last conversation about war and the
importance of peace? We talked about how India had to
struggle for its Independence from the British for many
centuries. Post-independence our country has had to fight
several wars to protect its borders, territorial integrity, and its
people. This made me wonder, who were these brave Indian
people? They fought to protect our country and sacrificed their
lives so that we could lead our lives in peace. What were their
names? Where did they come from? Does anyone remember
anything about them?
Last week I got the answers to some of my questions during
an educational trip to New Delhi organised by our school. You
may recall, I was looking forward to this trip and our visit
to many places of historical and educational significance.
I learnt several new and interesting things, and I am excited
to share them with you.
Let me begin by asking you to guess the name of the monument
that I found most inspiring. Let’s see if you can guess. The
construction of this monument started in April 2018 and
was completed in February 2019. It was envisioned and then
inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
territorial
integrity:
safeguarding
nation’s borders
envisioned:
visualised
in February 2019. In terms of location and size, it is spread
over 40 acres of land near the iconic India Gate. But more
importantly, it is a tribute to some of the bravest Indians. I’m
sure you’ve guessed! It’s the ‘National War Memorial’. Won’t
you say, a long-desired aspiration was fulfilled?
Our visit to the National War Memorial began with our teacher
explaining that even after Independence, India has had to fight
many wars to protect herself, and the freedom and security
we enjoy today is because of the many brave men and women
who have served in the Indian Armed Forces over decades.
Sadly, she said, war always takes its toll, and therefore, many
brave soldiers have had to sacrifice their lives for the country
even after our Independence in 1947.
This is what makes monuments like the National War Memorial
extremely important, so that we should never forget the cost
of freedom. We are aware, always, of the pain and horrors
of war. We learnt that each brick of the memorial is called a
tablet, and it bears the names of soldiers who fought for India
and made the supreme sacrifice in different wars from 1947
till date, including the Indo-China conflict of 1962, the Indo-
Pak Wars in 1965 & 1971 and the Kargil War in 1999. There
are 29,000 tablets on which more than 26,000 names of fallen
soldiers have been etched.
It was heartening to know that our government has recognised
the sacrifice of brave soldiers. Our teacher told us about the 21
bravehearts who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC),
India’s highest wartime gallantry medal, for their service to
the nation. She also told us about Maha Vir Chakra (MVC),
Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC), and Shaurya Chakra (SC).
Major Somnath Sharma was posthumously awarded India’s
first PVC in the Battle of Badgam in 1947. Later some more
PVCs were awarded for exceptional gallantry during the India-
China Conflict of 1962, and the India-Pakistan War of 1965.
Besides, a PVC was also awarded for service during the UN
Peace Keeping Operations in Congo.
In the 1971 war, some of the heroes who were awarded the
PVC (posthumously) include Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Flying
OfÏcer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, Second Lieutenant Arun
Khetarpal, and Major Hoshiar Singh. Some Navy personnel
etched:
engraved
gallantry:
exceptional
courage
especially in
battle
posthumously:
after death
iconic:
celebrated
tribute:
showing
respect,
gratitude
Citation
Lance Naik Albert Ekka, (No. 4239746), 14 Guards
Lance Naik Albert Ekka was in the left forward company of a
Battalion of the Brigade of Guards during their attack on the enemy
defence at Gangasagar on the eastern front. This was a well-fortified
position held in strength by the enemy. The assaulting troops were
subjected to intense shelling and heavy small arms fire, but they
charged on to the objective and were locked in bitter hand-to-hand
combat. Lance Naik Albert Ekka noticed an enemy Light Machine
Gun inflicting heavy casualties on his company. With complete
disregard to his personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker,
bayoneted two enemy soldiers and silenced the Light Machine Gun.
Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight
alongside his comrades through the mile deep objective, clearing
bunker after bunker with undaunted courage. Towards the northern
end of the objective, one enemy Medium Machine Gun opened up
from the second storey of a well-fortified building inflicting heavy
casualties and holding up the attack. Once again, this gallant soldier
without worrying about his personal safety, despite his serious
injury and the heavy volume of enemy fire, crawled forward till he
including Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla were also awarded
MVC for their exemplary courage and leadership.
Then the teacher shared with us the citation of Param Vir Chakra
awardee Lance Naik Albert Ekka. It touched my heart and also
motivated me. We were awestruck and humbled by his bravery.
I aspire to be courageous like him when I join the Army!
citation:
meritorious
performance of
duty
awestruck:
amazed
Lance Naik Albert Ekka (PVC)
the bunker, killing one enemy and injuring the other.
The Medium Machine Gun, however, continued to fire. With
outstanding courage and grim determination, Lance Naik Albert
Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker, bayoneted the
enemy who was still firing and thus silenced the Machine Gun,
saving further casualties to his company and ensured the success
of the attack.
In this process, however, he received serious injuries and succumbed
to them after the capture of the objective. In this action, Lance Naik
Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous valour, determination
and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army.
(Gazette of India Notification No. 7– Pres./72)
As we continued our visit around the National War Memorial,
we came across another important installation called Amar
Jawan Jyoti that commemorates our soldiers. The name, as
you may have guessed, represents an immortal flame that
is kept ablaze all through the day and night to revere the
sacrifices of our soldiers. Earlier the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which
also displayed a rifle and a helmet, was alighted under the
arch of India Gate in January 1972 to commemorate India’s
victory in the India-Pakistan War of 1971.
commemorates:
remember
ofÏcially and
show respect
obelisk: tapering
stone pillar
wreaths:
circular
arrangement of
flowers used as
a respect and
remembrance
for a person who
has died
interminable:
everlasting
The National War Memorial now includes Amar
Jawan Jyoti in the obelisk, which is surrounded by
four Chakras. During the inauguration, the Prime
Minister lit a new flame to commemorate the fallen
heroes. Later, the old flame at India Gate was also
merged with the new flame at the National War
Memorial. Here is a picture of the new Amar Jawan
Jyoti if you haven’t seen it.
You can see the obelisk surrounded by wreaths
that have been placed as a mark of respect. The
lighting design is planned in such a way that it
transforms the monument’s landscape as sunlight
changes from dawn to dusk. It truly is a majestic
site that filled me with pride for our nation. I was
also overwhelmed by the interminable flame as a
metaphor for eternal stories of courage and valour.
Our teacher also explained the significance of the Chakras to
us. I found it interesting and hence I am sharing with you.
The National War Memorial consists of four concentric circles,
which are known as Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra,
and Raksha Chakra around a 15-metre-tall central obelisk
with the eternal flame—the Amar Jawan Jyoti. It also houses
bronze and stone murals and graphic panels. Isn’t it amazing!
The innermost circle represents the Amar Chakra, also
known as the ‘Circle of Immortality’. This has the Obelisk with
Eternal Flame. The Amar Jawan Jyoti flame symbolises the
immortality of the spirit of fallen soldiers with the assurance
that the nation will never forget their sacrifice.
The second circle is called the Veerta Chakra, which is also
known as the ‘Circle of Bravery’. There is a covered gallery
that exhibits six murals crafted in bronze, depicting valiant
battle actions of our Armed Forces.
The third circle represents the Tyag Chakra, also known
as the ‘Circle of Sacrifice’. The circular concentric walls of
honour symbolise the ancient war formation, which is called
Chakravyuh. The walls are covered with granite tablets and
murals: large
paintings on a
wall
discourses:
serious
discussions on
different topics
individual tablet is solely dedicated to each fallen hero of post-
Independent India. Their names are etched in golden letters.
The outermost circle represents the Raksha Chakra, which
is also known as the ‘Circle of Protection’. In this chakra the
row of trees is a reassurance to the citizens of the country
about their safety against any threat. Each tree represents the
soldiers who ensure the territorial integrity of the nation.
We spent the whole day, from morning to evening, at the
National War Memorial and the surrounding areas, marked by
majestic lawns and grand buildings of Kartavyapath. We were
immersed in the ambience that was solemn and a reminder
of what a free nation could achieve. The overall environment
created an emotive experience that was visually inspiring. I
felt as if I had developed a bond with the place.
I learnt a lot, but I also have to admit that the various discourses
during the day brought tears to my eyes. It was sad to think
about the massive devastation and loss of life caused by wars.
It motivated me to live a life worthy of the sacrifices of our
heroes.
After our visit, the class decided to make presentations on
stories of valour of the bravehearts we came across at the
National War Memorial. We divided ourselves into five
groups. We decided to make
presentations
depicting
the
courageous
stories
of
the
soldiers.
Our
teacher
has
also advised us to share our
experience during the school
assembly. I am delighted that
all the students of our school
will get to know about the
National War Memorial and
the soldiers it commemorates.
am
going
to
give
a
presentation on the story of
Major Padmapani Acharya,
who fought for India in the
1999 Kargil War and was
awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Major Padmapani Acharya (MVC)
Before he went into battle, he wrote a letter to his father that
he wasn’t afraid or scared about losing his life while trying to
protect the motherland. Quoting Shrimad Bhagavad Gita he went
on to say:
Gazette Notification: 17 Pres/2000,15.8.99 Operation:
Op Vijay- Kargil Date of Award: 15 Aug 1999
Citation
Major Padmapani Acharya (IC-55072) 2 Rajputana Rifles
(Posthumous)
On 28 June 1999, Major Padmapani Acharya as a Company Commander,
was assigned the formidable task of capturing an enemy position
which was heavily fortified, strongly held and covered with mines and
sweeping machine gun and artillery fire.
Success of the battalion and brigade operation hinged on the early
capture of this position. However, the company attack almost faltered at
the very beginning when the enemy’s artillery fire came down squarely
on the leading platoon, inflicting large number of casualties.
With utter disregard to his personal safety, Major Padmapani Acharya
took the reserve platoon of his company and led it through raining
artillery shells. Even as his men were falling to the murderous enemy
fire, he continued to encourage his men and charged at the enemy up
the steep rock face with his reserve platoon.
Unmindful of the hail of bullets from the enemy’s position, Major
Padmapani Acharya crawled up to the enemy position and lobbed
grenades. In this daring assault, Major Acharya was severely injured.
Despite being seriously injured and unable to move, he ordered his men
to leave him and charge at the enemy while he continued to fire at the
enemy. The enemy position was finally over-run and the objective was
captured.
After completion of the mission, the ofÏcer however, succumbed to his
injuries.
Major Padmapani Acharya displayed exceptional courage, leadership
and spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.
The citation for the Maha Vir Chakra reads as follows:
We reached Bengaluru yesterday. I have written a long letter as I
could not help sharing this inspiring experience with you.
Give my regards to your mom and dad. I miss your mom’s chhole
bhature. You know I am a foodie! Say hello to Amit.
Your friend,
Soumya
हतोो वाा ቚኋा्⤷स्यसिg स्वቇं जििK्⤱वाा वाा भोोኚ㉙यसे महीीम्।
तस्माादुुत्तिि°्⥄ठ कौौ्⤵तेय युቍኋाय कृृतनििW्⥃चय:।।2.37।।
Hato
vā
prāpsyasi
svargaṃ
jitvā
vā
bhokṣyase
mahim
Tasmāduttiṣṭha kaunteya yuddhāya kṛtaniścayaḥ
If you fight, you will either be slain on the battlefield and go to the
celestial abode, or you will gain victory and enjoy the kingdom on the
earth. Therefore, arise O, son of Kunti! Be determined to fight.
My Dear Soldiers
Oh! Defenders of borders
You are great sons of my land
When we are all asleep
You still hold on to your deed
Windy season or snowy days
Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays
You are there guarding all the time awake
Treading the lonely expanses as yogis
Climbing the heights or striding the valleys
Defending the deserts or guarding the marshes
Surveillance in seas and by securing the air
Prime of your youth given to the nation!!
Wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat
We pray for you brave men!!
May the Lord bless you all!!
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
When the poet mentions ‘great
sons’ he is actually referring
to all the soldiers (men and
women) serving the nation.
Note
Rani Abbakka
(Ministry of Culture, GOI)