Col J P Singh, Retd
The sacred soil of Jammu & Kashmir has been the battleground for several wars and the state has given some of the finest soldiers to the armed forces of the nation. To defend every inch of its land, large number of gallant soldiers and civilians laid down their lives whenever called upon to do so. History of Jammu & Kashmir is a saga of valour, courage and sacrifices made by men from all over the country to uphold the sovereignty of the nation. In doing so many of them attained martyrdom. Souls of these great martyrs did not find a place of eternal rest in the state where they laid down their precious lives. The grateful nation thus gave them a prominent place in Jammu for eternal rest.
Selection of site
Jammu is a city of temples and shrines. It is a gateway to the Kashmir valley. Jammu is also a land of warriors and martyrs. To show eternal gratitude to the martyrs of various wars fought in J&K since independence, the Indian Army conceived a unique war memorial at Bahu Wali Rakh near the historic Bahu Fort and named it ‘Balidan Stambh'(the monument of sacrifice). Situated on the NH1A Bypass, it is within 3 to 4 kms from the Railway Station and Jammu Bus Stand and is easily accessible. Situated adjacent to Jammu University and 213 Transit Camp in the Bahu Fort tourists circuit, Balidan Stambh is a perfect historical and emotional rendezvous for the people of Jammu region. It is also an attractive and enlightening destination for the locals, tourists and research scholars.
Architectural Design
The pillar of the Stambh is 60 mtrs tall pyramid of unique design resembling a bayoneted rifle of a charging soldier silhouetted on its rear by a 25ft high majestic granite wall. Around the pyramid are 60 majestic pillars depicting soldiers lined up to charge the enemy position supported by attack helicopters hovering over their heads. The bayonet appears to be piercing into the stomach of blue sky which epitomises a lot and better left to the imagination of visitors. Its landscaped gardens, musical fountains, lofty tower prodding into the blue skyline with eternal flame under its arch have been aesthetically integrated into sprawling environmental background which makes it world famous. History of each war fought in J&K since independence is engraved on the majestic wall. Many of the 60 pillars bear the names of martyrs etched in golden colour on the black granite. It is the tallest war memorial of the world and is comparable to various world fame war memorials. It is visible from entire Jammu city. Amar Mahal and K C Revolving Restaurant are visible from this monument even at night. Its elegance is seen to be believed. Hats off to the architect who designed it. He deserves world recognition.
Significance of the Memorial
Pluralism and unity in diversity have been the hallmark of our society enabling our civilisation to survive for centuries. This panorama is best seen in J&K. Balidan Stambh epitomises the same where soldiers from all over the country arrived on 27 October 1947 to fight Pakistani invaders who ventured to annex Kashmir by the use of military force. Three more Indo-Pak wars were fought on the soils of Jammu & Kashmir. Security forces continue fighting non-conventional war even today. This Balidan Stambh also epitomises a vibrant linkage of rest of the country with Jammu & Kashmir. It is here that the soul of our fallen heroes will rests in peace.
An Ignored Destination
To make it popular, Gen Deepak Kapoor, the then Army Chief handed it over to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a glittering ceremony on 24 November 2009. The Dept of Tourism took over its promotion and maintenance. Later the state govt backed out stating that since the army has made it, the cost of its maintenance must be borne by the army. Hence the Army has taken over its maintenance. Maj Gen Dushyant Singh, GOC Tiger Division lit the eternal flame on 18 January 2014 after it remained off for over four years. Isn’t it ironical that even the flame lit in the memory of over 5000 martyrs who laid down their lives on J&K frontiers and during two decade long militancy in the Valley remained switched off for years pending dispute over the cost of just one to two LPG cylinders a day. The govt should have rather added other attractions to the memorial such as ‘light & sound show’, a museum, an emporium, a tuck shop and a picnic spot & generated funds for maintenance. Having attended the grand inauguration ceremony of 05 January 2005, I continued its publicity. The fame kept glowing so long as it was with the army. On 8 February, self and Col V P Sharma, VSM learnt that it was not lit since long. Also learnt that senior IOC officials present for the 18 January 2014 ceremony have undertaken to supply LPG for the lighting of flame during day time from an early date. Let us hope that the flame once lighted will keep glowing for ever and the monument will get due attention of one and all. It is also most desirable place for the conduct of solemn military ceremonies such laying a wreath on unit battle honour and raising days and change of command. Infact the change of baton ceremony of military & para military commanders should take place infront of the sacred flame.
Conclusion
Presently Col Sinha is composing ‘Light and Sound Show’ script which when started will be a great attraction. Four girl students of Jammu University told the author on 12 February 2014 that they were not aware of this remarkable monuments close by. They were inquisitive to learn a great deal about the memorial. Hence the media is requested to popularise it. On visit to the memorial one is bound to bow his head and say the following prayer for the fallen heroes:-
I promise you beloved martyr to remember the sacrifices you have made in battles lost and won.
I promise you dear soldier that you will not have fought in vain even when the years have come and gone and only your tombstone does remain.
I promise you dear soldier to teach my children so that they will always remember and to their children stories they can tell.
To you I make this promise on oath straight from my heart to never forget you b’coz in my safety you have played a role.
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