Why in the News?
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees are now displayed.
Key Development
• Portraits of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees displayed
• Replaced portraits of 96 British Aide de Camps (ADCs)
• Initiative symbolises removal of colonial legacy and celebration of Indian national heroes
About Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
• Highest military decoration of India
• Awarded for exceptional valour, courage and self sacrifice during war
• Instituted on 26 January 1950
• Awarded to personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force
• Total awardees till date: 21
Param Vir Dirgha
• A dedicated gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan
• Showcases portraits and legacy of Param Vir Chakra awardees
• Aims to educate visitors about India’s bravest soldiers
• Reinforces national pride and military heritage
Broader Context of De Colonialisation Initiatives
• Rajpath renamed Kartavya Path
• Indian Navy ensign redesigned, removing Saint George’s Cross and adopting symbols linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Mughal Garden renamed Amrit Udyan
• Race Course Road renamed Lok Kalyan Marg
• Ross Island renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep
• Neil Island renamed Shaheed Dweep
• Havelock Island renamed Swaraj Dweep
• Port Blair renamed Sri Vijaya Puram
• 21 islands named after Param Vir Chakra awardees
• Republic Day Beating Retreat ceremony now features Indian musical instruments
Significance for UPSC Prelims
• Links Vijay Diwas with national military honours
• Highlights Param Vir Chakra facts and symbolism
• Reflects policy of removing colonial symbols
• Important for culture, defence and modern Indian history
| What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs? (2024)
1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee. 2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. 3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only |
