The University of Delhi on Friday inaugurated the Wall of Heroes to honour the warriors who have been conferred with the Param Veer Chakra, aligning with the central government’s Vidya Veerta Abhiyan campaign. Yogesh K Tyagi, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, along with the Chief Guest Hari Om Panwar, a renowned poet, unveiled 21 photographs of the award winners on the Wall. The Wall has been set up at the varsity’s Conference Centre, with the title ‘Our Heroes.’
The Vidya Veerta Abhiyan is an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development which directs over 1,000 educational institutions across India to set up walls measuring 15×20 feet, adorned with portraits of 21 soldiers who are the recipients of the highest wartime bravery award. The campaign seeks to embed a nationalistic spirit in the educational arena and pay homage to the gallant martyrs.
The occasion was graced by several veterans, families of many war heroes, faculty, staff, and students. Hari Om Panwar, the Chief Guest, remarked, “Today, we are celebrating Holi, Diwali, and other festivities because our soldiers with guns are guarding the border and paying tribute to them is the biggest festival. If students can discuss and debate peacefully, it is only because of their sacrifices.”
Mr. Panwar believes the wall is synonymous to a temple, as it marvels at the wonders of our nation’s heroes. “Through this initiative, we hope to reflect on somebody’s contributions. Different people can draw different kinds of lessons and inspirations,” said the DU Vice-Chancellor, Yogesh K. Tyagi. The objective of the setting up of the wall also takes into account an awareness-creation model in the younger generations, to acquaint them with the soldiers’ accounts of valour.
The Wall was also inaugurated at the Jawaharlal Nehru University on May 17th.
Feature Image Credits: The Hindu
Saumya Kalia