Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan today suggested turning the 1965 Indo-Pak war memorial exhibition, which is going on in the capital, into a permanent fixture to inspire future generations.
Mahajan accompanied by her daughter visited 'Shauryanjali' at the Rajpath Lawns this afternoon and stayed for over an hour during which both of them were given a guided tour of the exhibits by senior defence officials.
"It was emotionally overwhelming, the entire experience. I am speechless... I was told about so many moving stories, of fabulous victories and sacrifices made by so many brave soldiers and officials for our country.
"Every coming generation must know this glorious history of ours, of how we won battles with so limited resources. And an exhibition like this should become a permanent memorial," Mahajan told PTI at the event, which began on September 15 and is on till September 27.
Visitors at the exhibition were pleasantly surprised to see her, and the Speaker even obliged a few lucky ones by posing with them for pictures.
At the end, she also wrote a message in the VIP's guest book in Hindi and signed it.
"...Har shahr har kasbe mey ye pradarshni lagey. Kam se kam har rajdhani mey lagey...Sach much mera Bharat mahan. Uski aatmashakti aparampaar(...This exhibition should be taken to every city and every town. At least, it should be taken to every capital of this country...My India is indeed great. Her power is infinite)," the message said.
Asked, if there was anything that particularly piqued her interest or warmed her heart, 72-year-old Mahajan said, "I was very much impressed to learn that besides jawans and majors and colonels, common man, like railway staff and ordinary NCC girls and boys made such vital contribution to the war, by saving lives, donating blood, and their efforts should be made known to people."
National Cadet Corps (NCC) scouts and guides even made a small presentation to Mahajan, recalling incidents of those era, from war fields to camp hospitals.
Mahajan's daughter Manasi was also fascinated by the exhibition and said, "There is so much to learn."
"I wanted to come and see it, so I came with my mother. There is so much to see and absorb, I think I am going to have to come again. So, many stories, so many anecdotes I learned today. And, it's so beautifully done," she said.
Mahajan was also presented with a 1965 war memorial plaque and a tricolour scarf.
Other dignitaries who have earlier visited the exhibition include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wrote his message in the guest book in Gujarati, President Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
"A heart-warming exhibition showcasing the great valour of the Indian soldiers..." the President wrote.
