President inaugurates WWI centenary commemoration

The centenary commemoration of World War I was inaugurated on Monday with a wreath-laying ceremony by President Pranab Mukherjee at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

"On the centenary commemoration of World War I, I join my fellow countrymen in paying homage to the brave and valiant sons of mother India, who laid down their lives in the line of duty. I am sure that our great nation will continue to draw inspiration from the sacrifice of these brave hearts," the president wrote in the visitor's book.

The commemoration will be in the memory of the 1.5 million Indian soldiers who fought in the war and over 74,000 who made the supreme sacrifice, whose names are etched in stone on India Gate.

The period 2014-2018 is being commemorated as the centenary of World War I, an official statement said.

Other dignitaries, including the defence minister and the three service chiefs, also laid wreaths at the memorial.