Rajnath visits War Memorial before taking charge as Defence Minister

New Delhi: Former Home Minister Rajnath Singh here on Saturday, visited the National War Memorial to pay his tribute to Indian martyrs, shortly before taking over as the Defence Minister in the second term of BJP,which registered a massive victory in 2019 LS polls.

Mr. Rajnath was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh at the memorial.

ALSO READ: The LS poll defeat caused Mamata to change her behaviour: Dilip Ghosh

Paying his respect to the martyred soldiers, Mr. Singh tweeted via his tweeter account:

Paid tributes to the martyred soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty, at the National War Memorial today.

These fallen heroes represent the character of India who has a long history of courage, sacrifice and patriotism.

I salute them for keeping India safe. pic.twitter.com/vONa0eCHWE

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 1, 2019

Announcing about his schedule Rajnath Singh on Friday had tweeted on a micro blogging site, that he would visit the war memorial before assuming office. "Shall visit the National War Memorial tomorrow morning and pay tributes to our brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Later I shall be formally taking charge as the RM of this country."

"Look forward to further strengthen national security and defence," he added.

Shall visit the National War Memorial tomorrow morning and pay tributes to our brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Later I shall be formally taking charge as the RM of this country.

Look forward to further strengthen National Security & Defence.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 31, 2019

ALSO READ: Team of ‘eight’ climbers go missing on way to Nanda Devi peak

Spread over 40 acres at the India Gate complex in the heart of the national capital, the 'National War Memorial' was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 this year.

The complex is a commemoration of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers since Independence with the names of 25,942 martyrs etched in stone forever.

The main structure has been built in the form of four chakras- the 'Amar Chakra' or Circle of Immortality, the 'Veerta Chakra' or Circle of Bravery, the 'Tyag Chakra' or Circle of Sacrifice, and the 'Rakshak Chakra' or Circle of Protection, with the eternal flame and obelisk located in the inner-most chakra.

The hieght of the obelisk is 15.5 metres and is visible even from a distance as one enters the complex.

The memorial was built at a cost of Rs 176 crore, and its design was selected through a global competition.

After forming government at the centre for second consecutive term BJP on Friday allocated various ministries to its elected ministers where Mr. Rajnath Singh took over the Defence Ministry from Nirmala Sitharaman who has been allotted the Finance ministry in Modi's new cabinet.

ALSO READ: Cabinet clears pension scheme for shopkeepers, traders

(With Agency Inputs)