Exactly 100 years ago on 10th March 1.5 million Indian Soldiers took part in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle as part of the British Offensive in Artois region of France. Most of these officers and men belonged to the Garhwal Brigade & Meerut Division of the Indian Corps. Over 74000 of them never returned and laid to rest on some foreign soil.
As a mark of respect to the slain soldiers, the Indian Army is commemorating the Centenary of the First World War from 10 – 14 Mar 2015 in New Delhi. The five-year period 2014 – 2018 has been earmarked for World War-1 centenary celebrations.
As part of the Commemorative ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. The Defense Minister, Minister of State for Defense, the three Service Chiefs, Defence Secretary and senior serving officers of the Regiments, which took part in the War, graced the occasion.
A Commemorative Exhibition is also being held at Manekshaw Centre from 10 – 14 Mar 2015. A Veterans Run to be flagged off by Vice Chief of Army Staff will carry the inaugural flame from the 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 President for lighting the symbolic ‘Flame of Remembrance’ (Inaugural Flame) and inaugurating the Commemorative Exhibition.
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 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 -13 Mar 15.
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