MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENTAL WAR MEMORIAL

INTRODUCTION

The Mechanised Infantry Regiment War Memorial is the epitome of homage to the Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment, who have made supreme sacrifice in safe guarding the honour and dignity of our motherland. The War Memorial is located at MIRC, Ahmednagar adjacent to the Quarter Guard . The War Memorial was dedicated to the Nation on 08 Dec 2005 by Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM,ADC, Chief of the Army Staff.

CONCEPT

The conceptual design symbolises Unity in Diversity, which is the basic foundation of our Nation and also of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

DESIGN FEATURES

The war memorial has been designed in three distinct modules consisting of a Central Podium at the base, four vertical Pylons in the mid section and the Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry at the Pinnacle.

The Central Podium is circular in shape with a diameter of 39 feet. A plaque with an inscription from the Mahabharat Shantiparva, 99 : 43 is mounted on the Central Podium at the front entrance.

“Do Not Lament The Death of a Warrior
Killed in Battlefield
As Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives in War
are Honoured in Heaven”

The mid section consists of four vertical Pylons, 24 feet and 11 inches in height, arching upwards from the Central Podium. The Pylons depict four diverse strengths (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian religions) unifying together at the Pinnacle.

The Symbol of the Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment is located above the Four Pylons. The Spirit of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment portrays a futuristic youth with vitality, and dynamism of a neoteric Regiment. The winged figure armed with multiple weapons, charging over the ripple of waves depicts three dimensional mobility and aggressiveness. The body armour signifies protection.

In addition, there are Busts of War Heroes and thirty Upright Structures of six feet height and three feet width, displayed in a circular profile, all around the base of the Central Podium. These uprights depict the units of the Mechansied Infantry Regiment and display the names of 119 soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice in safe guarding the honour and dignity of our motherland since 02 Apr 1979.

The area around the War Memorial has been landscaped to project an environment of somber, serenity and solitude. The design displays mounds of earth representing silent sentinels that stand still in mute testimony to pay homage to the spirit of the lost soldier. An artificially created water body to the rear mirrors their presence and fuses them with the memorial to become one. White roses and white lotus symbolise peace and purity. Red roses at the base of the Central Podium symbolises the blood through which rises the Spirit of the Martyrs.

SAIGRAH : A PROJECT BY MIRC

A much visited place is Shirdi, which attracts people of all religions, caste and communities, owing to the presence of the Saibaba Temple. The place has virtually become a “must visit” spot, and Army pers, irrespective their place of posting, are now undertaking this pilgrimage in large numbers. Suitable accommodation, however, was a problem for those making quick, often unplanned visits.

The project was handed over to MIRC in April 2008 when the tendering formalities had just got completed. Even then, the project could not take off due to certain objections from Civilian departments. Col Sanjay Kaopoor, Project Manager devoted full time to the project and obtained all clearances from the Town Planning, Agriculture and Electricity Departments, BSNL and all village heads, in just about two months. The project, under the directions of May Gen RK Hooda, AVSM, GOC, MG & G Area, able guidance of Brig Ajit Nair, commandant and execution of Col Sanjay Kapoor, Project Manager has been successfully completed and thus, the Aramgah was inaugurated on 25 Jun 2009. Col Sanjay Kapoor was awarded on the spot GOC-in-C Commendation for his dedication in supervising the project, Sub Chavan Anandrao of Adm & Depot Battalion and Hav Tarsem Singh of BEG, Kirkee were also awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation Card.

The estimated cost of the project was around Rs 2.5 crores. This included the cost of furnishing and construction of the approach road. The building has a majestic look and has one room for Senior Officers, four deluxe rooms for Officers, three for JCOs and two dormitories for ORs & their families. With this, a long felt need has been met. In its three months since the inauguration, the Aramgah has recd plaudits from all who have used its facilities for its elegant ambience, fine decor and functional efficiency.