Punjab to dedicate war memorial to country on August 15

The Punjab government will dedicate the Punjab state war memorial-cum-museum at Amritsar to the nation on August 15 next year, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said on Tuesday.

Badal said that the unique project, coming up in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, would showcase the contribution of brave Punjabi warriors and soldiers in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country.

Punjab has borne the brunt of attacks on the north-western frontier in the post-independence period. Most of the action has been in areas close to Amritsar, which is only 30 km from the Pakistan border. During earlier times also, most invaders took the same route.

At a meeting to review the status of the project here, Badal directed the concerned officials to ensure completion of the project on time so that it could be dedicated to the nation on August 15 next.

Badal had detailed deliberations with the memorial-cum-museum's research team, which is carrying out in depth research into all wars fought in India during pre and post independence periods, including the freedom struggle and both World Wars.

Rare artefacts, war equipment and memorabilia will be exhibited in the upcoming museum inside the memorial.

"This will not only imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism amongst our future generations but also showcase the splendid and gallant deeds of our distinguished personnel of armed forces," Badal said.