Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant symbolic shift at the heart of India's power on Wednesday. He declared that portraits of soldiers from the British colonial era, which long adorned the Rashtrapati Bhavan, have now been replaced with those of the nation's own highest military heroes.
A New Gallery Honouring Supreme Valour
This historic change coincides with the inauguration of the Param Vir Gallery at the presidential palace. The new gallery is dedicated exclusively to honouring the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest wartime military decoration for acts of conspicuous gallantry.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi shared photographs from the newly opened gallery. He penned a tribute, writing, "O Supreme Warriors of India. Salutations to you, O Radiant Heroes! This nation is grateful for the sacrifices. For the honors of Mother India!"
Moving Beyond a Colonial Mentality
PM Modi explicitly framed this initiative as a conscious move away from India's colonial past. He stated that for a long period, the gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan displayed portraits of soldiers from the British era. Now, portraits of the country's Param Vir Chakra awardees have taken their place.
He described the Param Vir Gallery as "an excellent example of the campaign to move away from the mentality of slavery and connect India with a new consciousness." The Prime Minister also recalled a previous step in this direction, where the government named islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after Param Vir Chakra winners.
An Inspiration for Future Generations
The Prime Minister emphasized that the gallery is not just about the past, but is aimed at inspiring India's youth. He noted that the dedication ceremony was made more special by the presence of families of two Param Vir Chakra awardees and other gallantry award recipients.
PM Modi expressed his hope that the gallery would become a vibrant pilgrimage site for the spirit of a developed India. He added that the images and the gallery would serve as a dynamic space for the young generation to connect with India's enduring tradition of valour and courage, teaching them that self-confidence and determination are essential for the nation's progress.
Explaining the gallery's core significance, the Prime Minister said it is a heartfelt tribute to the nation's defenders—those indomitable heroes who protected the motherland with their supreme sacrifices and gave their lives for India's unity and integrity.
