Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the construction of Param Vir Digha, a newly created gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan showcasing portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, is a strong example of moving away from a colonial mindset and connecting the nation with a new sense of self-awareness.
The Prime Minister said the gallery stands as a tribute to India’s bravest soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the country. He noted that the space earlier displayed portraits of British-era ADCs, and its transformation into a gallery honouring India’s national heroes marks a meaningful step towards embracing the country’s culture, heritage and traditions with pride.
In a post on social media, Prime Minister Modi said the portraits in the Param Vir Gallery honour the indomitable courage of India’s defenders who laid down their lives for the nation. He added that dedicating the gallery in the presence of the families of Param Vir Chakra awardees made the occasion even more special.
The Prime Minister said replacing colonial-era symbols with representations of India’s own heroes reflects the broader effort to shed the mentality of slavery and instil a renewed national consciousness. He recalled that several islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group were also named after Param Vir Chakra awardees as part of this initiative.
Highlighting the importance of the gallery for future generations, PM Modi said the Param Vir Digha would serve as an inspiring space for young Indians to connect with the country’s tradition of valour. He expressed hope that the gallery would encourage self-confidence and determination among the youth and emerge as a place of inspiration for the vision of a developed India.
The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most exceptional acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice during war.
The Param Vir Digha was inaugurated on December 16 on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
