Final polishing work underway for granite slabs; engraving work next

Mysuru: The construction of the War Memorial at the NCC Parade Grounds near the old Deputy Commissioner’s Office along Mysuru-Hunsur Road in the city has reached its final stage.

Work has begun to polish the slabs, which will complete the War Memorial in time for Republic Day celebrations on Jan. 26,

2025, honouring the soldiers who defended the nation and made supreme sacrifice. The construction of War Memorial in city was a 25-year struggle, but fortunately, the project is nearing completion after a prolonged delay. Over the past few years, the construction has been progressing steadily and has reached its final stage. After a brief hiatus over the past 2-3 months, the construction resumed yesterday.

Six months ago, the foundation for the Memorial was laid with cement, upon which six massive slabs were placed. Additionally, six large stone slabs, previously donated from Chamarajanagar district, were shaped and positioned for this purpose. These slabs were polished in the initial stage and prepared in a gopuram-style finish.

Glossy modern touch

The various meticulously shaped stone slabs were joined one above the other using a large crane. Final polishing was carried out, followed by the placement of cement.

The polishing of the slabs is expected to be completed within 15 days, after which the slabs will be systematically joined to the cement base in a gopuram style.

High-quality green stone will be added around and beneath the slabs to provide a traditional and glossy modern touch. Finally, inscriptions will be engraved on the slabs in golden colour to create a lasting impression. The Memorial will be constructed in a traditional square shape.

In one section of the Memorial, three arches will be constructed to depict the insignia of India’s three military forces — Army, Navy and Air Force. On the remaining three sides, military tanks, fighter jets, ships, artillery and other equipment used in warfare will be displayed.

For this purpose, the Army has agreed to provide the necessary military equipment for display. Retired Army Officer and current Commissioner of Mangaluru City Corporation, C.L. Anand, has been actively involved in the correspondence process. Upon completion, the war tanks, guns and other equipment will be transported to Mysuru.

Struggle for 25 years

The Memorial is coming up, thanks to the relentless efforts of ex-servicemen led by Air Veteran Mandetira N. Subramani (now late), also the President of Vekare Ex-Servicemen Trust.

In 2000, he submitted a petition to the State Government and the Mysuru District Administration, demanding the construction of a War Memorial. In 2010, a renewed petition led to the search for a suitable location for the Memorial.

Although the process was temporarily halted, it was revived again in 2012. In 2016, the then Assistant Commissioner of Mysuru, C.L. Anand, completed the necessary processes and submitted a proposal to the Government.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Anand said that they have a target of completing the project by Jan. 26, 2025. “The goal is to dedicate the Memorial on Republic Day. Already, exquisite stones worth crores of rupees donated from Chamarajanagar and Hassan are being used to shape the Memorial, with final polishing work currently underway. Soon, the slabs will be placed on the flat form of the Memorial,” he added.