The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in a unique gesture to honour Param Veer Chakra (PVC) awardees, has dedicated an entire platform wall at the Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh Metro station on the Pink Line. PVC is the highest gallantry medal.
“The artwork, meticulously crafted by a team of talented artists, features vivid and lifelike depictions of the Param Veer Chakra awardees, capturing their indomitable spirit and unwavering courage in the face of adversity. Each portrait is accompanied by a brief about them,” said DMRC spokesperson Anuj Dayal.
Param Vir Chakra translates to “Wheel of the Ultimate Brave”. It has been awarded a total of 21 times. Of those 21 awards, 14 were posthumous. This is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy, regardless of rank or branch of service.
“In a move that reflects the Delhi Metro’s deep commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by our valiant soldiers, the platform walls of the station have been transformed into a breath-taking gallery showcasing the portraits of these gallant warriors. The Delhi Metro has thereby created a unique space that fosters national pride and inspires a sense of gratitude among its commuters. This thoughtful integration within one of India’s busiest metro networks highlights how infrastructure can be leveraged for cultural appreciation while enhancing community engagement through meaningful interactions with history,” the Delhi Metro said.
“These heroes have received the highest military honour to protect our nation and serve as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces in the defence of our motherland. DMRC invites the commuters to take a moment to pause and reflect on the lives of these remarkable individuals and to draw inspiration from their selfless dedication to the cause of our nation,” Dayal said.
He said this art installation is not just a tribute to the heroes, but also a testament to the resilience and strength of the Indian spirit, and a celebration of the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that define us as a people.
“Delhi Metro has always endeavoured to utilise its premises to pay respect to the courage and valour of our armed forces. Delhi Metro has honoured the legacy of distinguished heroes by naming select stations after them, such as Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar Station, Arjan Garh, and Brigadier Hoshiar Singh Station, among others,” Dayal said.
In addition, a unique permanent exhibition dedicated to the Gallantry award recipients of the Indian Armed Forces has been curated at the Rajouri Garden Metro station. This unique exhibition titled “Veerta Aur Vikas” is a tribute to the gallantry award recipients of the Indian Armed Forces who have shown exemplary courage to preserve the sovereignty and dignity of the nation.
Earlier, the Modi government has 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees in 2023. These islands have been named after the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, viz. Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh, MM; 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane; Nayak Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Capt GS Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH. Abdul Hamid; Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiar Singh; 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (then RifleMan) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.