A Timeless Tribute to Valor and Heritage: India Gate
Hello, readers! I am delighted to see your support on my blog "Lotus Temple." Thank you for your overwhelming response.
Today, I am more enthusiastic about taking you on a tour of "India Gate," which is in the heart of India💖.
Delhi is the capital of India and is famous for the name "Dil walo ki Dilli." It is one of the eight union territories recognised for its many historical monuments.
India Gate is one of the monuments in Delhi that holds the Nation's dignity. It is the most visited monument of India. Every day, around 30-40,000 people visit this site to witness the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
"India Gate" was created to honour those Indian soldiers who served in World War I in 1914-1919. Around 70,000 Indian soldiers had lost their lives fighting for the British Army.
Each year, on 26th January, India's Republic Day celebration is hosted at this location.
The foundation of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria, in 1921. It took ten years to complete this architecture, and finally, in 1931, India Gate was standing with its brilliance to attract the world.
Recently, in 2021, it was renovated, and a newly formed statue of "Subhash Chandra Bose" was established just behind this monument.
Subhash Chandra Bose is one of the greatest freedom fighters in India. People call him "Netaji." His contribution to the "Bharat Chodho Movement" was exemplary. Netaji was the first Indian to raise the first Indian National Army(INA), Azad Hind Fauj, in 1943. He lightened the flambeau of Independent India in every Indian and encouraged them to join his army against British rule. One of his most remembered slogans is "Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga." These words are still raising patriotism in Indians.
Netaji was a prominent man whose statue was inaugurated on his 125th birth anniversary. Words will become less if once I begin to convey his life journey. So, let's move forward.
I visited the India Gate recently. The connectivity to reach the location is very promising. Travellers can choose any public transport, either Bus, Autorickshaw, cab or Metro. The nearest metro station is the "Central Secretariat" on the "Yellow Line" of the Delhi Metro.
I took the cab at my convenience. I reached the India gate in the evening. I stepped out, and the foremost architecture that enticed my sight was a 42-meter-tall gate standing on a low base of Bharatpur stone. It was the India Gate.
I was very excited to catch a glimpse of it up close. I quickly paid my fare and moved towards the India Gate.
It is surprising to know that visitors have to pay nothing to see this incredible monument. It is wholly free of cost. There is no need for passes or any money to buy any ticket. People can easily visit with their friends and families.
In a few steps, I was at the beginning spot, named "Kartavya Path." Its previous name was "Rajpath." This name was used by "Queen Elizabeth" and her VIPs when India was under British rule.
After renovation, its name changed to "Kartavya Path." "Kartavya path" is written in all four languages, "Hindi, English, Urdu, and Punjabi," and shows gratitude and secularism towards every religion- Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity. "Kartavya path" reminds us of soldiers who stood for their country beyond their religions. It taught us that the first responsibility of every Indian towards their country.
I stepped up, and beautiful meadows and greenery surrounded me. The world of colourful blossoms soothed my eyes. Gorgeous ponds and the bridges over them were looking very impressive. The very well-constructed narrow lanes were there to walk between grasslands and the bank of ponds. Numerous benches were also available there. You can peacefully sit and witness the incredible view. The cleanliness, maintenance and surveillance of the area were excellent. I was stunned for a moment to experience the magnificence and security provided by the Government. It made my day more vigorous.
That beauty was pulling to stay, but I decided to experience the India Gate first. Soon, I was there for what I had planned.
I was standing just a few feet away from the incredible India Gate. It was a fascinating architecture dedicated to martyrs. "INDIA" was written on the elevation. Many sunburst motifs were on the top. More than 13,516 soldiers's names were inscribed on their walls.
It was a little hard to read every name, but they all are transparent.
Visitors can see the monument at a particular distance but are prohibited from crossing the boundary. It is a restricted site, so please don't try to break the barrier. Soldiers are always there on duty.
India Gate is surrounded by many flowers such as roses, marigolds, and sunflowers. Many plants are also there to expand their attractiveness.
A few months before, for years, the flambeau "Amar Jawan Jyoti," which means "Flame of the immortal soldiers," was lit under the premises of India Gate. This name defines reality because it burns 24*7. It honours the Indian soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. That recently shifted in the newly built war memorial on India Gate Circle. I will take you there.
"Amar Jawan Jyoti" is for remembrance and tribute to our brave soldiers. It was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi- the former prime minister of India. Now, it has become the pride of Indians.
Phones and Cameras are allowed. You can freely capture your beautiful moments. Many Cameramen also stay there. If you want to capture memories with your loved ones, you can take Polaroid pictures together.
After capturing my moments, I moved ahead to the new statue of the "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose." It was just after the India Gate. Netaji is saluting the India Gate, which symbolises devotion towards soldiers. It is a 28 feet long and 8 feet wide sculpture of black granite. The surroundings are decorated with flowers and greenery. It is encircled by a boundary so that nobody could harm their magnificence.
Netaji played a vital role in making India an Independent country. His thoughts are still leading Indians to the right path of patriotism. He is still remembered for his remarkable contribution.
You feel prouder as an Indian when you learn more about extraordinary figures like "Subhash Chandra Bose," born in India. I bowed my head in front of his bravery, beliefs and knowledge.
I captured the exquisite statue of Netaji on my phone and my sight. After that, I got the right time to spend in the greenery. I chose a serene walk for an hour there. You can spend limitless time in nature without restrictions like timing and rules. India Gate is open day and night for visitors.
I walked to explore more...
There were many underpasses. I used that to reach on another side. The underpasses were perfectly structured. Inside them, you will get all the information about India Gate- maps, area, parade and changes after renovation. The details have been installed precisely.
On the other hand, many food stalls were functional opposite the monument. You can easily buy ice creams, junk food, cold drinks, snacks, etc. A few car and bike rides for kids are also there. They were charged around Rs 100-300 for multiple rounds. Many toy sellers are also visible. They sell both traditional toys and electronic toys.
There were uncountable things to explore. I had a little time. Soon, the sun went to set. So, I chose to visit the "National War Memorial" once.
The new "National War Memorial" is just a few steps from India Gate. You can get there by walking. Entry is free. It was formed recently in honour of soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who fought to make an independent India. The "Amar Jawan Jyothi" is merged here.
I reached the "National War Memorial." After a few downstairs, the "Amar Jawan Jyoti" was in front of my sight. The "Amar Jawan" was written there on Golden Letters. It burns at the bottom of a central obelisk.
The four concentric circles were inspired by the ancient Indian war formation known as "Chakravyuh."
The first was "Amar Chakra- circle of immortality." The second was "Veerta Chakra- circle of bravery." The third was "Tyag Chakra- circle of sacrifice," and the fourth was "Rakshak Chakra- circle of protection."
The "Param Yodha Sthal" held all 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra. It is India's highest military honour.
Visiting India Gate, I realised that devotion and respect are the most praiseworthy things you can give a soldier. Their every second is for their country. You feel very extraordinary after experiencing this incredible place in India. It has the power to connect you with its essence.
It was a wonderful experience. I am glad that I added this honourable place to my list. Indeed, this place holds the India.
After holding the immense learning and memories, I thought, now my day is near to end, but! It is India. Soon, the sunset happened, and the entire view changed suddenly.
The India Gate turned into the genuine colours of patriotism. The beautiful tricolours of Tiranga were visible on the consummation of "India Gate." The lower shades showed variations of pink, golden and purple. The entire meadows and ponds began lighting with white, yellow, blue, orange, red, and pink. The small fountains' blue luminance and large fountains' Tricolours were outstanding.
The scenery holds your soul. It clings to your eyes and is stored in memories. The view made my day even more special.
As an Indian, I invite all Indians and the world to witness the stories of sacrifices and patriotism.
Very few experiences always stay with us. "India Gate" is the place that has that essence to unite you heartedly.
I shared everything that I had experienced at India Gate. I hope it will help you to comprehend more about India.
Soon, I will come with a new adventure in a new location. I always try to articulate more in a few words, so I'll follow the same pattern to elaborate in my upcoming blogs. Till that, Happy Reading!
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