Indian Army is Commemorating the Centenary
of the First World War from 10 Mar to 14 Mar 2015 in New
Delhi in memory of the 1.5 million Indian Soldiers who fought in the war
and over 74000 who made the supreme sacrifice. 10th March
coincides with the Battle of Neuve Chapelle marking the British
Offensive in Artois region of France in which the Garhwal Brigade
& Meerut Division of the Indian Corps participated. The time period 2014 to
2018 is being commemorated as the Centenary of World War-1.
As part of the
Commemorative Events, a wreath was laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate by The
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on 10 Mar 15.
Raksha Mantri, Rajya Raksha Mantri, Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary and
senior serving officers of the Regiments that took part in the War,
also graced the occasion.
A Commemorative
Exhibition is also being held at Manekshaw Centre from 10 to 14 Mar 2015.
A Veterans Run to be flagged off by Vice Chief of Army
Staff will carry the inaugural Flame ‘Heritage Torch’ from Commonwealth
War Cemetery, Brar Square to Manekshaw Centre,
Delhi Cantt. The last Veteran Runner Honorary Captain (Retd) Bana Singh, PVC,
will hand over the ‘Heritage Torch’ to the Hon’ble President for
lighting the symbolic ‘Flame of Remembrance’ (Inaugural
Flame) and inaugurating the Commemorative Exhibition at 6 PM today.
The Chief of the
Army Staff will address the dignitaries and highlight the role and sacrifices
of the Indian Soldiers during the First World War. The President will
thereafter release a Commemorative First Day Cover. The President
will also view the exhibition which includes a ‘Gallantry Hall’,
highlighting how the ‘Great War’ was fought and won, its impact
on Indian Soldiers lives on the frontline and at home. It will showcase 13
Campaigns, wartime weapons and equipment, memorabilia and various artifacts.
The ‘Corner
of Remembrance’ in the exhibition will display old letters, an old home
in neglect with belongings of Soldiers and depicting a feeling of anxiousness
of the families waiting for their dear ones to return home. The ‘Sacrifice
Hall’ will include replicas of Amar Jawan Jyoti, Indian
memorials, busts and paintings of Victoria Cross Winners
in India & abroad.
The
outdoor props of the exhibition will give a glimpse of the dress,
equipment, bunkers and guns. A replica of miniature Brighton
Hospital will depict the treatment and the trauma that the Indian
Soldiers went through. The live props will highlight the role played by various
Arms/Corps in the War including Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers,
Signals and ASC. A dynamic band display by the Indian Army brass
& pipe bands will also be conducted as part of the mega event.
The descendants
of some of the Victoria Cross Awardees and the Param Vir
Chakra Awardees of Independent India will also be present for the
function and will interact with the Hon’ble President.
The Commemoration Exhibition of World War -1 at Manekshaw Convention Centre at
Delhi Cantonment would be open to the public and Schools and Colleges from 11
to 13 Mar 15.
Click here to
see Photographs:
Col Rohan Anand, SM