On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 16 December 2025. The inauguration marks a significant step in honouring India’s bravest soldiers and preserving the legacy of supreme military valour. This initiative reinforces national pride and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
About Param Vir Dirgha
- The Param Vir Dirgha is a dedicated gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan that showcases the portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
- The gallery has been designed to educate visitors about India’s national heroes who displayed extraordinary courage and unwavering resolve in the defence of the nation.
- It serves both as a memorial and as a space for public awareness about India’s highest traditions of military bravery.
Background and Significance
- The corridors where the Param Vir Dirgha has been established earlier displayed portraits of British Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) from the colonial period.
- Replacing them with portraits of Indian gallantry awardees symbolises a conscious move away from colonial legacy towards celebrating India’s own heroes.
- This step reflects India’s broader effort to shed colonial symbols and embrace its cultural heritage, values, and indigenous traditions with pride.
About the Param Vir Chakra
- The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most exceptional acts of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice during wartime.
- Instituted in 1950, it has been awarded only 21 times, underscoring its rare and prestigious nature.
- Many recipients were honoured posthumously, highlighting the supreme sacrifice made in service of the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Param Vir Dirgha inaugurated on 16 December 2025 (Vijay Diwas)
- Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu
- Located at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Displays portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees
- Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military gallantry award
- Initiative symbolises a shift away from colonial legacy towards national pride
Question
Q. The Param Vir Chakra was instituted in:
(A) 1947
(B) 1950
(C) 1962
(D) 1971