If you are planning to visit Pune, a visit to the National War Memorial Southern Command is a must. This is a great place for those who want to know more about various post-independence wars. Nestled in one of the greenest areas of Pune, this place can provide you with ample information that you can add to your knowledge.
Also, when you are exploring this war memorial you will find a dedicated space for the Southern Command Museum. This museum hosts various war memorabilia, weapons, tanks and uniforms that enhance the experience.
Technically, both the National War Memorial and the Southern Command Museum are in the same place. Various YouTubers call this place the National War Museum which can be confusing. The museum is located within the premises of the National War Memorial Southern Command.
History of National War Memorial Southern Command
Before we take you on the tour of this place you must know a little bit about this place.
While the Southern Command Museum focuses on the history, battles, accolades and other details of the Southern Command, the memorial is dedicated to soldiers, sailors and airmen who laid down their lives since Independence to defend the country.
Did You Know?
It is the only war memorial in South Asia erected by citizen’s contribution.
The National War Memorial Southern Command was conceived as a joint military-civilian effort in the year 1996.
A year later on December 23, 1997, General V.P. Malik, PVSM, AVSM, ADC Chief of the Army Staff laid the foundation stone.
On August 15, 1998, His Excellency the Governor of Maharashtra Dr. P.C. Alexander dedicated the memorial to the nation.
However, this war memorial mainly represented the army. A decade later in 2008, the National War Memorial underwent major renovation. It was then, that the Navy and Air Force symbols were introduced making it a ‘tri-services’ memorial.
National War Memorial Southern Command Timings
The war memorial and the Southern Command Museum timings are:
Morning: 0930 hours – 1230 hours
Evening: 1600 hours – 1900 hours
Tuesday Closed
A Tour of National War Memorial Southern Command
The feeling of visiting this memorial is inexplicable. Even before we entered the space, the large tri-colour flag billowing in the distance filled us with a sense of pride. Of course, we have seen many such flags billowing at various events and places.
However, the experience here was different probably because we were in the military area surrounded by hundreds of military personnel.
On reaching the gate of the National War Memorial Southern Command, we were asked for our identification cards before entering the premises. We did the tour of the Southern Command Museum first because we couldn’t resist stepping into the artillery section.
On completing the museum tour we returned to the National War Memorial Southern Command area.
The memorial commemorates all the heroes of the post-independence wars. Hence, you will find a wall spanning across the area with the names of all the brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice.
Walking by the wall and reading those names made us realise how much goes into maintaining and securing the freedom we enjoy.
Additional Symbolic Details
The central space is where the memorial tower stands along with the large tri-colour flag that immediately captures the attention. Along with the Indian flag, you will find four flags that represent: the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the flag of the Southern Command Wing.
Since the National War Memorial Southern Command is a tri-services memorial it forms a triangle when seen from above. You can see that when you go to Google Maps and see the satellite image of the memorial.
Furthermore, on all three sides of the memorial tower, there’s something that represents the Army, Navy and the Air Force.
On the north side, you get to see the Vijayanta (Victorious), the Indian Army’s first main battle tank. This tank is a prototype of Britain’s Vickers MK-I tank. The first tanks rolled out of line in the year 1964 and entered service in 1965.
To the left side, you can see a replica of the now decommissioned frigate, INS Trishul. This Type 12 or Whitby-class frigate was used in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Liberation of Goa (1961).
Over the right side, you can see the MiG-23 Bn aircraft of the Indian Air Force. It is the last MiG-23 Bn to fly in the world. Wing Commander Tapan Ranjan Sahu was the last pilot to land the MiG-23 BN on March 26, 2009.
You can also witness the ceremonial parade here on Saturdays at 6 p.m. open to all citizens.
Conclusion
A visit to the National War Memorial Southern Command can provide you with a great experience if you plan it well. The memorial area takes approximately 40 minutes to cover. However, you should give it at least 2-3 hours when touring the Southern Command Museum along.
The memorial will instil in you the sense of pride of being an Indian. On a personal level, it evoked in me many questions about the futility of the war and its necessity. You can also drop by if you are visiting places near Pune for 2 days.
Have you visited the National War Memorial Southern Command in Pune?
If yes, please share your experiences in the comment section for others.
Jai Hind
13 comments
I like visiting these places. Whatever your feelings about any particular conflict, men and women served and men and women died. It’s appropriate to honor them.
Glad that you liked the post, Dan. Thank you.
Again, another superb and engaging account of your visit. Was delighted to learn that its existence came about from a joint civilian/military endeavour, and that it pays homage to all three branches of India’s armed services.
Glad that you liked the post, Paul.
Hello There,
Nice to read about the history of Indian army (Army is always love). great way of telling all about the place.
i would surly visit the place on my next visit to Pune. Keep postin / keep supporting tourism
Thank you for taking out the time to read and comment on the post. History is so much fun and informative, if told the right way.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more information about assignment help. Please keep sharing !!
How much they take for entry fee
will you please help me with contact details
Hey Gunjan. When you arrive at this place, you have the National War Memorial on the left side and the Southern Command Museum (I have a separate blog on that so please read that post and enjoy the pictures). There is no fee to visit the National War Memorial, but if you wish to explore the museum, which I think you must, for that the ticket price I paid in Jan 2020 was Rs. 20 per person. I’m not sure if the ticket prices have increased now. The memorial and museum are located in Dobarwadi, not too far from the Pune Railway station. A little further from Sir Maneckji Mehta Road. Also, the memorial and museum is not open between 12 noon to 3 in the afternoon. So, please keep that in mind that they are not open for these 3 hours.
Great Blog post. Really exciting. Keep up the good work.
This is such an interesting read. Though having lived in the city for a number of years, I still did not venture out to witness these amazing places. However, there is always the next time.
Thanks for explaining the difference between the two museums, Sharukh. “Walking by the wall and reading those names made us realise how much goes into maintaining and securing the freedom we enjoy.” Yes, indeed freedom does require a lot of maintenance. I worry that here we have done poor maintenance. I really like the “one flag… one heart…” etc. motto. That’s beautiful. Hugs to you and Sarah.
You’re welcome, Teagan. Glad that you enjoyed the virtual tour and liked the One Flag One Heart relief sculpting. I love exploring museums, any kind. Hugs to you.