President Murmu Inaugurates Param Vir Dirgha Honouring India’s Bravest Soldiers

The Param Vir Dirgha features portraits of all 21 PVC awardees, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the indomitable courage, sacrifice and patriotism of India’s most decorated war heroes.

On the solemn occasion of Vijay Diwas, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 16 December 2025. The newly curated gallery stands as a powerful tribute to the 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees, India’s highest military decoration for extraordinary valour in wartime.

A Tribute to India’s Bravest

The Param Vir Dirgha features portraits of all 21 PVC awardees, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about the indomitable courage, sacrifice and patriotism of India’s most decorated war heroes. The gallery has been designed to inspire citizens—especially the youth—to recognise the immense bravery displayed by soldiers who fought fiercely to defend the nation’s sovereignty.

By honouring these warriors, the initiative also ensures that the stories of India’s supreme gallantry continue to be remembered, celebrated and passed on to future generations.

A Step Toward Reclaiming India’s Heritage

The gallery is housed in corridors that once displayed portraits of British ADCs (Aides-de-Camp) during the colonial era. Replacing them with portraits of India’s own military heroes is a symbolic yet significant step toward shedding colonial legacies and reaffirming national pride.

This transformation reflects India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural spaces, honour indigenous heritage and embrace the country’s rich historical and military traditions.

India’s Highest Honour for Bravery

The Param Vir Chakra, instituted in 1950, is awarded for the most conspicuous acts of gallantry, self-sacrifice and courage in the presence of the enemy. The rare and prestigious honour has been awarded only 21 times in India’s history, highlighting the extraordinary heroism it recognises.

Strengthening National Memory and Military Legacy

The inauguration of the Param Vir Dirgha underscores the nation’s commitment to:

• Preserving the legacy of its military heroes

• Promoting awareness about India’s armed forces

• Celebrating the spirit of sacrifice that defines national service

With this new gallery, Rashtrapati Bhavan reinforces its role not just as a symbol of governance but also as a custodian of India’s collective memory and military heritage.