The commencement of the 75th Republic Day events was marked by the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial on Friday morning. At this revered site, the Prime Minister paid homage to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Accompanied by three service chiefs, PM Modi participated in the solemn ceremony to honor the fallen heroes. Subsequently, the Prime Minister proceeded to Kartavya Path to partake in the Republic Day parade. President Draupadi Murmu presided over the raising of the National Flag, accompanied by the National Anthem and a powerful 21-gun salute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had the honor of inaugurating the renowned National War Memorial situated within the India Gate complex on February 25, 2019.
The expansive National War Memorial spans approximately 40 acres and is intricately designed with four concentric circles: namely, the ‘Amar Chakra’, ‘Veerta Chakra’, ‘Tyag Chakra’, and the ‘Rakshak Chakra’. These circles bear the names of 25,942 soldiers inscribed in gold lettering on granite tablets.
In addition, the memorial features a central 15.5-meter obelisk, an eternal flame, and six bronze depictions commemorating significant battles fought by the Indian Armed Forces, Air Force, and Navy housed within a sheltered gallery (Veerta Chakra).
This memorial serves as a poignant tribute to military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during various conflicts including the Indo-China War of 1962, the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka, and the Kargil Conflict of 1999. It also honors those who served in UN peacekeeping missions.
Standing tall at a height of 42 meters, the India Gate, also referred to as the All India War Memorial Arch, was erected during the British colonial era to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War (1914-1918) and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The names of these valiant soldiers are inscribed on the surface of this iconic landmark.
Republic Day Parade 2024
The Republic Day parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last around 90 minutes. The Republic Day 2024 parade will begin at Vijay Chowk and go to Kartavya Path. The facility will hold over 77,000 people, with 42,000 earmarked for the general public.
The national flag will be unfurled, followed by the national song, which will be accompanied by a thundering 21-gun salute from the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Gun system.