War heroes, casualties, museum: India
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War heroes, casualties
1947-2017
See graphic:
Indians soldiers killed in conflicts and operations since 1947
National War Memorial (NWM)
2019
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From: Rajat Pandit, War museum ready, 60 yrs after it was first proposed, January 1, 2019: The Times of India
India Gate itself was constructed by the British in memory of the 84,000 Indian soldiers killed fighting for the Empire in World War-I and the Afghan campaign, with the Amar Jawan Jyoti later being built under its arch to honour the 3,843 soldiers who died liberating Bangladesh in 1971.
The NWM, built at a cost of Rs 176 crore after being approved by the government in October 2015, was initially slated for inauguration on August 15 in 2018, but missed its deadline for completion. Built in keeping with the “aesthetics and sanctity” of the Central Vista and India Gate, it has a layout of four landscaped concentric circles spread over 40 acres.
The Amar Chakra (circle of immortality), Veer Chakra (circle of bravery), Tyag Chakra (circle of sacrifice) and Rakshak Chakra (circle of protection) will include a 15-metre tall central obelisk with the eternal flame, bronze murals, graphic panels, inscription of names of martyrs and busts of the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, as earlier reported by TOI. “The NWM, with a central congregation space, has been designed to ensure it does not obstruct the existing layout of Rajpath and its iconic structures,” said the official.
A suitable design, in turn, is in the process of being identified for the proposed National War Museum at Princess Park, adjoining the NWM at the C Hexagon of the India Gate complex. “The museum will take some years to be constructed. The initial cost approved for it is around Rs 350 crore,” he added.
Military Intelligence martyrs
Satark Park, Pune
Sandip Dighe, Sep 29, 2024: The Times of India
Pune : They have been the anonymous, unsung heroes of India, but a memorial now honours the valour of Military Intelligence personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Set up at Wanowrie in Pune cantonment, and named Satark Park — inspired by MI’s motto, “Sada Satark” (always alert) — it is the country’s first memorial dedicated to MI personnel. The park features busts of MI bravehearts, with brief details of their role in operations executed on the borders and outside the country.
Among the heroes are Kirti Chakra awardees Naik Pratap Singh and Brigadier Ravi Datt Mehta, and Shaurya Chakra awardees Sepoy Om Shiv Sharma, Naik Jangbir Singh and Havildar S Samy Kannan.
40 Military Intel personnel have laid down lives since 1962
Since 1962, 40 personnel belonging to Indian Army’s Corps of Military Intelligence, including 11 officers, have laid down their lives in various operations. However, the stories of these heroes have not been told or discussed openly owing to the “core character” of the services. Now, for the first time, their sagas will be shared with the public, albeit in brief.
The country’s first memorial for MI bravehearts has been constructed by Military Intelligence Training School and Depot (MITSD), with the help of Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIIL). An island strip outside MITSD, the alma mater of MI personnel, has been converted into a park-cum-memorial.
Sunita Mehta, wife of the late Brigadier Ravi Datt Mehta, told TOI from New Delhi, “It will be a big honour for the families. The people will appreciate their rich contributions. They have been the unsung heroes of the country.” Brigadier Mehta was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously for displaying exemplary courage, while posted at the Indian Embassy in Kabul, during a terrorist attack on July 7, 2008. He died saving the lives of civilians and embassy staff.
RSIIL director B K Singh said, “When you look at the walls of valour, you see the greatness of MI personnel. Each of those 40 busts represents an unwavering commitment to their tasks. Each represents a life that refused to be cowed down by enemies. Through this structure, we will always honour and remember them.” The majority of them laid down their lives in J&K and northeastern borders.
Lt-Gen L N Singh (retd), former commandant of MITSD, told TOI over phone from Manipur, “Pune is a temple for intelligence corps officers. The memorial will help the public know about the unsung heroes of MI, whose contributions are known only within our fraternity.” A section of veterans and their family members feel the stories of the MI bravehearts should have been shared with the public long ago.
