New Delhi, February 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi. The iconic memorial honours over 26,000 soldiers who laid their lives for the country since Independence. While speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi paid tributes to martyrs of Pulwama attack. Taking a jibe at the previous United Progressive Government (UPA), PM Modi said that in the last decade there were one or two attempts but nothing concrete could happen, and it was his government which started the process in 2014. National War Memorial in New Delhi- a Tribute to Martyred Soldiers; Here’s All You Need to Know.

He also said that his government continuously worked towards making the Army self-reliant, the decisions which were thought to be impossible earlier have now been made possible. The Prime Minister also said that contribution from all parts of society is necessary in security of the nation and because of this ideology, for the first time women are getting the opportunity to become fighter pilots. Taking swipe at Gandhi family, PM Modi stated that from Bofors to Helicopter deal, all the investigations are pointing to one family, and now these people are putting all the efforts to make sure that Rafale aircraft don't arrive in the country.

Speech of PM Modi at the inauguration ceremony:

The Prime Minister highlighted the efforts of his government to strengthen the defence forces. He said that his government provide over 2,30,000 bullet-proof jackets to the security forces. At the same, he accused the previous government of ignoring the demands of the armed forces. He added that the NDA government also bought modernised assault rifles.

All you need to know about the memorial:

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 sculptures of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees will also there inside the memorial. 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. The memorial draws inspiration from the 'Chakravyuh' formation and is spread on an area spanning over 40 acres at the India Gate complex.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 25, 2019 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).