This is a must watch exhibition which is sure to rekindle the patriotic spark in you – the journey of the Indian Army and its role in securing and building the nation has been brought alive through rare photographs and artefacts on display at the Government Museum Art Gallery in Sector 10 Chandigarh. The two-day exhibition, the likes of which has perhaps never been seen in the tricity, opened to public viewing on Saturday and will remain open on Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Military Art and Photography Exhibition, being held as part of the build-up to the inaugural Military Literature Festival, slated for December 7-9, captures the evolution of the Indian Army through the major operations in which it has participated since World War I.
A total of 200 exhibits, including pictures, artefacts, medals, army ammunition of Sikh era, personal belongings of officers and captured flags of Pakistan Army during 1971 operations, are on display.
A highlight of the exhibition is the bust of Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, PVC (Posthumously). Other rare exhibits include Japanese swords of World Wars and personal photographs of Maj Gen G Nagra, who was GOC 101 Area during 1971 operations.
Also evoking a deep sense of pride are the section-wise displays of various operations, 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971, 1999, which include rare pictures of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri visiting troops and former President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan with soldiers in Patton Nagar, a destroyed Pakistan Patton tank and Gen. J. Choudhary congratulating soldiers just before ceasefire.
Rare pictures of the moments captured during the signing of the visitor book by Lt. Gen. Niazi after the Pakistani surrender in the 1971 war and the captured flag of East Pakistan Army further adds to the feeling of patriotism. The flag has been preserved by the family of Maj. Gen. Nagra.
The Sikh Military Heritage Section, courtesy Punjab Digital Library, encapsulates the history of battles fought by Sikhs before the British Era. It also traces the journey of battles fought during the British Era and after independence.
The exhibition has been carefully designed to showcase the various landmarks achieved by the Indian soldiers around the world in historical sequence for the discerning visitors.
A special wall has been dedicated to the Saragarhi Battle Warriors, exemplifying the grit and determination of brave Sikh warriors who attained martyrdom living up to the Army motto of ‘Last Man Last Round.’ A handful of courage-laden Sikh soldiers defeated more than 10,000 Afghan Kabilais in this war.
Go see the exhibition on Sunday with your families and live a few moments of pride !!
