A befitting tribute to martyrs
By Rajendra Rajan

THE War Memorial at Dharamsala, nestled amidst sylvan surroundings, stands a mute witness to the memory of those martyrs who have laid down their lives to protect their motherland. Every day a large number of people visit the memorial to pay homage to the brave soldiers.

The foundation stone of the memorial was laid in February, 1972, by Dr Y.S. Parmar, the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. On completion, the memorial was inaugurated by Shanta Kumar, former Chief Minister of the state, on September 28, 1977. An expenditure of Rs 18 lakh was incurred on its construction.

The memorial, spread over 7 acres, has small waterfalls, garden lights and flower beds. It has three curved walls in black marble, each 24 feet high. The names of 1042 martyrs have been inscribed on these walls.

Rising from a circular shallow pool with 21 water jets, the three black marble walls represent the three wings of our Armed Forces. These have been given a curved shape to indicate the continuity and onward movement of life. The beds of pink, red and white roses along the circumambulatory path around the walls depict the different stages of life — childhood, youth, old age and subsequently death.

A mural on one of the walls symbolises national freedom. It depicts a stout arm holding the flame of freedom aloft.

A Patton tank was placed in the memorial in September, 1976. General V.N. Sharma presented a 25 Pdn Gun while a ship (Virrat) was presented by Admiral R.H. Tahiliani in 1987. The memorial has also been decorated by a Gnat Aircraft, which was gifted by Air Chief Marshal S.K. Mehra in 1990.

The dignitaries who have come to pay homage at this war memorial include former President R. Venkataraman, Vice-Admiral S. Chopra, General S.F. Rodrigues and General V.N. Sharma.