President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a significant new gallery at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, December 16, coinciding with the observance of Vijay Diwas. The gallery, named Param Vir Dirgha, is dedicated to honouring the recipients of India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra.
A Permanent Tribute to India's Bravest
The central feature of the Param Vir Dirgha gallery is a collection of portraits of all 21 individuals who have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra. This award is given for acts of conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary bravery, and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy during wartime. The gallery serves as a permanent national memorial to these heroes, aiming to educate visitors about their unparalleled courage and selfless service to the nation.
An official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan explained the gallery's purpose. It said the space is designed to inform people about the national heroes who showed dauntless resolve and an unconquerable spirit while defending India. It is also an initiative to honour the memory of brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the motherland.
From Colonial Legacy to National Pride
The inauguration of the Param Vir Dirgha marks a profound symbolic shift. The corridors that now house the gallery previously displayed portraits of British Aides-de-camp (ADCs) from the colonial era. By replacing these with the portraits of India's greatest military heroes, the gallery consciously moves away from colonial legacies. It now celebrates India's own rich heritage, culture, and timeless traditions of valour and sacrifice.
Inauguration on a Day of Historic Victory
The choice of date for the inauguration, Vijay Diwas, is deeply significant. Observed annually on December 16, this day commemorates India's decisive victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. On this occasion, the Indian Army paid tribute to the courage and valour of the armed forces.
In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Army stated, "Vijay Diwas is not just a date, it stands as the symbol of the historic and decisive victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War." The Army highlighted that the victory was a joint effort, fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the Mukti Bahini, which gave the Bangladesh Liberation struggle its decisive thrust toward freedom. The post described the triumph as one that reshaped India's military history, redrew the map of South Asia, and led to the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh.
The inauguration of the Param Vir Dirgha on this historic day thus creates a powerful link between remembering past sacrifices and celebrating a defining national victory, ensuring that the stories of India's greatest military heroes continue to inspire future generations.
