THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 05 MARCH 2019 (Our fitting tribute (The Hindu)

Our fitting tribute (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 3: History
Prelims level: National War memorial
Mains level: National War Memorial background and its importance

Context

•  Being overwhelmed with emotion after visiting the National War Memorial this week.
•  It was a solemn moment of prayer, a moment of pride and a moment of optimism.
•  I paid homage to the fallen soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for a noble cause.
•  I was proud that we had such brave men in our midst.
•  I was optimistic that the memorial will inspire many others to take the valorous path shown by these brave sons of our country and that our country is in safe hands.
•  I am happy that finally, over 70 years after Independence, we have a National War Memorial dedicated to the thousands of defence personnel who laid down their lives to defend India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Significance of this memorial

•  This memorial is built in memory of our soldiers who lost their lives in the India-China War of 1962 and the soldiers who died during the wars thrust on us by Pakistan in 1947,1965, 1971 and the Kargil War of 1999.
•  It also commemorates the sacrifices made by our soldiers sent on peace-keeping missions of the United Nations, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) and counter-insurgency operations.
•  Indian soldiers have shown extraordinary dedication and courage in different wars within India and abroad.
•  India accounted for 27 per cent of the global economic output in the 17th century.
•  Despite this economic prowess, India never attacked any country because we are peace-loving and believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
•  Even under British colonial rule, Indian soldiers played a significant role in global theatres, participating in World War I and II.
•  This was supported by all the parties at that time because they felt that our peoples’ sacrifice in the battlefield would hasten the process of India’s freedom as promised by the British.
•  However, the British had, by and large, ignored Indian requests later.
•  India contributed immensely to the First World War effort in terms of both men and material.
•  Her soldiers served with credit and honour in numerous battlefields around the globe in France and Belgium, in Aden, Arabia, East Africa, Gallipoli, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine,
  Persia and Salonika.
•  About 8,00,000 Indian troops fought in all the theatres of the war.
•  In all, 47,746 were classed as killed or missing and 65,000 were wounded.

A tribute to Indian heroes

•  Our grateful nation resonates with the emotive slogan of “Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan”.
•  The National War Memorial is a fitting tribute to all those in uniform who have made the supreme sacrifice. It also has immense aesthetic value in that it creates a serene environment which encourages a visitor to reflect on the exalted patriotism and sacrifices of our soldiers.
•  I am pleased that the National War Memorial, spread over 40 acres, has a uniquely Indian design. It comprises of four concentric circles resembling the Chakravyuha a formation immortalised by the Mahabharata.
•  These circles are named Amar Chakra, Veerta Chakra, Tyag Chakra and Rakshak Chakra.
•  The names of all our soldiers who died in defence of India and on other assignments is etched in stone in these concentric circles.
•  The memorial also has an Obelisk at its centre, with an eternal flame which symbolises the fact that the supreme sacrifices of our soldiers will be remembered eternally.
•  It also contains statues of all the Param Vir Chakra awardees.

Conclusion

•  The main suggestion is to institutionalise the grass roots culture of remembrance by highlighting the valour of armed forces and a special day of remembrance to be observed regularly.
•  This is a very valuable suggestion. I hope the political leadership will take a call on this.
•  Let us pay sincere homage to the fallen heroes, if possible, by dedicating a commemoration day to show that we care for their families and the war veterans who are still alive.
•  After all, they have given their days and years fighting for us.

Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Which of the following is/are considered while deciding the Fair and Remunerative Prices of Sugarcane?
1. Cost of production of sugarcane
2. Return to the growers from alternative crops and the general trend of prices of agricultural commodities
3. Recovery of sugar from sugarcan

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Questions:
Q.1) The National War Memorial is a reminder that our soldiers are the unsung heroes of our democracy. Comment.