An Army exhibition commemorating the World War I, in which at least 74,187 Indian soldiers died in action, has been extended till March 25 on the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was impressed with it and wanted Parliamentarians and schoolchildren to see it.
"We salute the sacrifice of each and every Indian soldier martyred in the war," the Prime Minister had said yesterday after visiting the exhibition, themed 'India and World War I', at the Manekshaw Centre in the Delhi Cantonment area here.
Army officials said the exhibition, which began on March 10 and was to end by March 15, has now been extended to March 25 on directions of Modi with March 18-20 being reserved for Parliamentarians.
An official release yesterday quoted Modi as saying that the exhibition "brings alive the participation and bravery of Indian soldiers in various battlefields of this war across Europe, Africa and Asia".
Modi said he was touched to meet the descendants of some of the soldiers, who were decorated for their services in World War I and urged youths to visit the exhibition to learn about the Great War.
The exhibition, which showcases the gallantry and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the First World War, is open till 7 PM.
The army has also created a replica of a World War-I (1914-18) bunker displaying the living conditions of the soldiers then.
The period between 2014 and 2018 is being commemorated as the centenary of the Great War.
March 10 coincides with the 'Battle of Neuve Chapelle' marking the British offensive in Artois region of France in which the Garhwal Brigade and Meerut Division of the Indian Corps participated.
The 'Sacrifice Hall' at the exhibition include replicas of Amar Jawan Jyoti, Indian memorials, busts and paintings of Victoria Cross Winners in India and abroad.
