Rs 1.35-crore for memorial designs

Sixty-nine years after India won Independence from the Colonial rule, the plan to dedicate a memorial in the national capital for more than 25,000 members of the armed forces who had laid down their lives in the numerous wars and battles and internal conflicts, is finally gaining traction. The plan also includes the construction of a war museum.

On Tuesday, the defence ministry announced a total bonanza of Rs 1,35,00,000 for the winners of the international design contest for the memorial and global architectural competition for the museum.

The competitions will be held in two stages. While the top nine entries shortlisted in the first stage will receive $2,000 each for the memorial and $3,000 each for the museum. The winner for the National War Memorial competition will take home $30,000 while National War Museum competition winner will get $75,000.

Second prizes are at $25,000 and $50,000, respectively, while the third-prize is $20,000 for the memorial and $25,000 for the museum. Both the structures will be located near India Gate.

“The National War Memorial will honour the memory of all soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It would combine architectural aesthetics and public sentiment, and serve as a place for people to show their respect for soldiers, for their extraordinary efforts to protect the nation,” a MoD release said.