New Delhi, February 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, General Bipin Rawat, Admiral Sunil Lanba and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa were also present at the event. The Prime Minister dedicated the memorial to the nation by lighting the flame positioned at the bottom of the stone-made monument. Param Vir Chakra awardees - Honourary Captain Bana Singh, Subedar Major Yogendra Singh and Subedar Sanjay Kumar also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said that his government continuously worked for making the Army self-reliant. He also added, "Contribution from all parts of society is necessary in security of the nation. Because of this ideology, for the first time, women are getting the opportunity to become fighter pilots." The iconic memorial honours over 26,000 soldiers who laid their lives for the country since Independence. National War Memorial in New Delhi- a Tribute to Martyred Soldiers; Here’s All You Need to Know.

PM Narendra Modi's speech during the inauguration ceremony:

The total cost of the project is around 176 Crore. Designed in four concentric circles, the memorial will be spread over 40 acres, with a 15-metre-high obelisk at its centre. The Amar Jawan Jyoti which was built in 1972 underneath the India Gate arch to Commemorate Martyrs of 1971 Indo-Pak War will continue to be there. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Centenary Commemoration: Punjab Government to Build Memorial in Amritsar With Soil From Each Village.

All you need to know about the memorial:

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The memorial draws inspiration from the 'Chakravyuh' formation and is spread on an area spanning over 40 acres at the India Gate complex. It is believed to be very iconic as it will serve as a new landmark, which would attract people from near and far. The sculptures of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees will also there inside the memorial. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) promised to construct the memorial in its 2014 election manifesto. The Modi government had approved the project in 2015.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 25, 2019 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).