The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has welcomed the Param Vir Gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan and said that the portraits displayed there are a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s indomitable heroes and a mark of the country’s gratitude for their sacrifices. He said that these portraits honour those brave warriors who protected the motherland through their supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives for the unity and integrity of India.
The Prime Minister noted that dedicating this gallery of Param Vir Chakra awardees to the nation in the dignified presence of two Param Vir Chakra awardees and the family members of other awardees makes the occasion even more special.
The Prime Minister said that for a long period, the galleries at Rashtrapati Bhavan displayed portraits of soldiers from the British era, which have now been replaced by portraits of the nation’s Param Vir Chakra awardees. He stated that the creation of the Param Vir Gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan is an excellent example of India’s effort to emerge from a colonial mindset and connect the nation with a renewed sense of consciousness. He also recalled that a few years ago, several islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees.
Highlighting the importance of the gallery for the younger generation, the Prime Minister said that these portraits and the gallery will serve as a powerful place for youth to connect with India’s tradition of valour. He added that the gallery will inspire young people to recognise the importance of inner strength and resolve in achieving national objectives, and expressed hope that this place will emerge as a vibrant pilgrimage embodying the spirit of a Viksit Bharat.
In a thread of posts on X, Shri Modi said;
“हे भारत के परमवीर…
है नमन तुम्हें हे प्रखर वीर !
ये राष्ट्र कृतज्ञ बलिदानों पर…
भारत मां के सम्मानों पर !
राष्ट्रपति भवन की परमवीर दीर्घा में देश के अदम्य वीरों के ये चित्र हमारे राष्ट्र रक्षकों को भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि हैं। जिन वीरों ने अपने सर्वोच्च बलिदान से मातृभूमि की रक्षा की, जिन्होंने भारत की एकता और अखंडता के लिए अपना जीवन दिया…उनके प्रति देश ने एक और रूप में अपनी कृतज्ञता अर्पित की है। देश के परमवीरों की इस दीर्घा को, दो परमवीर चक्र विजेताओं और अन्य विजेताओं के परिवारजनों की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति में राष्ट्र को अर्पित किया जाना और भी विशेष है।”
“एक लंबे कालखंड तक, राष्ट्रपति भवन की गैलरी में ब्रिटिश काल के सैनिकों के चित्र लगे थे। अब उनके स्थान पर, देश के परमवीर विजेताओं के चित्र लगाए गए हैं। राष्ट्रपति भवन में परमवीर दीर्घा का निर्माण गुलामी की मानसिकता से निकलकर भारत को नवचेतना से जोड़ने के अभियान का एक उत्तम उदाहरण है। कुछ साल पहले सरकार ने अंडमान-निकोबार द्वीप समूह में कई द्वीपों के नाम भी परमवीर चक्र विजेताओं के नाम पर रखे हैं।”
“ये चित्र और ये दीर्घा हमारी युवा पीढ़ी के लिए भारत की शौर्य परंपरा से जुड़ने का एक प्रखर स्थल है। ये दीर्घा युवाओं को ये प्रेरणा देगी कि राष्ट्र उद्देश्य के लिए आत्मबल और संकल्प महत्वपूर्ण होते है। मुझे आशा है कि ये स्थान विकसित भारत की भावना का एक प्रखर तीर्थ बनेगा।”
He said that that the Saurashtra-Kutch region has also seen an exponential growth of tourism in the recent times. Gujarat has in the meantime increased production of raw cotton from 23-lakh bales to 1.23-crore bales. The next phase of development is slated to be along the coastal region. Talking about Sadbhavna Mission, he said its message for peace, unity and harmony for growth has reached millions of people. It has lent strength to people to serve fellow human beings. It is comparable to divine realization. 
The Chief Minister said that Gujarat is now being discussed around the world. The State has come a long way, away from casteism and communalism, lawlessness, mafia raj and internal bickering. If we have to reach a golden period of development, we will have to harness the strength of the people. About 14,000 people voluntarily joined his fast today. It was part of 33 fasts being undertaken by him at district places and municipal corporation areas. Mr. Modi had begun his fast after seeking blessings of heads of different religious groups and sects.
