The government has spent over Rs. 25 Crore in setting up a mega exhibition, Shauryanjali, on Rajpath as part of the golden jubilee celebrations to commemorate the 1965 war. A six day long exhibition showcasing major battle scenes of the 1965 War began on 15th September, 2015 that saw maneuvers by fighter jets as part of the golden jubilee commemoration of the war.
The exhibition spread over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters at the Rajpath in air-conditioned pavilions showcased equipment and memorabilia of the war till September 20th. The 28 exhibition halls recreated the role of various arms and services including the Army, Navy, Air Force and CRPF, Media, Prasar Bharti and International Red Cross.
With this here’s all that you should know about Shauryanjali:
- The exhibition, called ‘Shauryanjali’, gave the public a chance to view a captured Pakistani Patton Tank as well as the milestone reading “Lahore 13 km” that was brought back by the Indian Army, showcasing how deep the troops had entered into Pakistan.
- The major battles recreated were Battle of Asal Uttar, Battle of Haji Pir, Battle of Burki, Battle for Dograi and Battle of Phillorah.
- As a culmination of the exhibition, a carnival, ‘Indradhanush’, was organised on September 20. It saw the mighty Sukhoi 30 fighter jets, flying in “Missing Man” formation in action along with Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
- IAF skydiving team Akash Ganga did a para-drop from the helicopters on India Gate lawns. Indian Army helicopters also did a flypast.
- It was the first time that fighter jets flew over the Rajpath other than on the Republic Day.
- Shauryanjali was a befitting tribute to the spirit, valour and sacrifice of the 1965 veterans in particular who defied odds and played a major role in successfully countering our adversaries’ designs in 1965.
- A documentary film on the War was also shown during the Exhibition. Food courts, souvenir shops and tableaux were also planned for a wholesome experience.
- The Armed Forces Symphony Band performed at the India Gate lawns in the evening, around sunset, on all days. The exhibition timings were from 9AM to 9PM everyday, free of cost with a reserved institutional slot from 9AM to 11AM for students, institutions and departments.
