Is it going to be the end of the four decade-old Amar Jawan Jyoti (flame of the immortal solider) at India Gate as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the National War Memorial at the same venue on January 25. As both monuments have similar significance, discussions are on within the highest echelons of the government over the relevance of Amar Jawan Jyoti.
As per various suggestions, the flame burning at the Amar Jawan Jyoti would be shifted to the new memorial. If this is done, only a concrete granite platform will left under the India Gate. What to do with the platform then is the question hotly debated in the South Block. Completely doing away with Amar Jawan Jyoti may have political repercussions as it was constructed during the tenure of Indira Gandhi. Modi government may be accused of trying to belittle the legacy of the structures created by the Nehru-Gandhi family.
Amar Jawan Jyoti was constructed after India's victory over Pakistan in 1971 to honour the 3,843 soldiers who died in the war. Though the memorial was constructed in December 1971, it was formally inaugurated by former prime minister Indira Gandhi on January 26, 1972 . Since then, every year on the Republic Day it has been customary for the President, prime minister, chiefs three services (Army, Navy and IAF) and other dignitaries to place a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti and pay homage to the fallen soldiers before the parade. Moreover, visiting foreign dignitaries, especially defence ministers or chiefs of armed forces, begin their official engagements after a visit to the memorial as a mark of respect to martyrs.
Now, the National War Memorial is finally ready, 60 years after it was promised to the armed forces. Construction of the war memorial to honour nearly 26,000 soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in wars and military operations since Independence was one of the first promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the armed forces during 2014 general election campaign. A year after forming the government at the Centre, the cabinet, in October 2015, approved the construction the memorial at a cost of Rs 176 crore.
With over two weeks left for its scheduled inauguration, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has formed an oversight committee to ensure timely completion of the memorial.
“People are working overtime to complete the structure on time but the main issue is yet to be addressed. No one is clear on the fate of Amar Jawan Jyoti,” said a senior official, privy to the development. The Prime Minister's Office is also closely monitoring the progress of the memorial.
Officials from PMO are in constant touch with the defence ministry officials and Army headquarters to make all necessary arrangement to make the inauguration a 'mega event'.
One of the suggestions from the defence ministry was to do away with the Amar Jawan Jyoti, but it is learnt that the PMO is treading cautiously on taking a final call on the issue. “Since the issue might take a political turn, the government treading with care,” said an official, adding that there is lot of confusions on how to go about the issue.
Moreover, there is also no clarity on the venue of customary wreath laying by the dignitaries on Republic Day, said another official. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest for the 70th Republic Day celebrations.
A defence ministry officials said that war memorial is built keeping in view the “aesthetics and sanctity” of the Central Vista and India Gate, and has a layout of four landscaped concentric circles. Spread over 40 acres, four circles, named Amar Chakra (circle of immortality), Veer Chakra (circle of bravery), Tyag Chakra (circle of sacrifice) and Rakshak Chakra (circle of protection), will also have a 15-metre tall obelisk with eternal flame. Busts of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees have also been created as 'Param Yodha Sthal', showcasing details of the valour of the nation's highest gallantry award winners.
Besides the war memorial, a national war museum is also planned adjoining to the memorial at the C Hexagon of the India Gate. An initial budget of Rs. 350 crore has been allocated for the museum.
