The Incredible India Gate

The India gate was built as a memorial to all the dead soldiers who ever died in wars for India. Some of the bravest soldiers’ names are carved on the side of the India gate. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, the fire that is lit in the middle of the gate, is the fire that burns eternally in the memory of the soldiers, the ‘Jawans’ as the name says. The Fire is lit every year on Republic day. Today, the India gate is a major tourist spot in Delhi. It is one of India’s most famous monuments. In the night, it is one of the most beautiful sights in the world, glowing orange with the light of the fire.

Here are a few answers to some common questions about the India gate.

1.    How do they carve the new names of new brave soldiers?

Ans. They don’t. Even if they are not carved in the India gate, their names are still remembered in the hearts of the people of India. (Their ghosts and families must be disappointed, huh?)

2. What is the difference between the Gateway of India, which is in Mumbai, and The India Gate?

Ans. The India gate is a memorial, whereas The Gateway of India is a welcoming monument. The Gateway was built in the times of the British rule in India because Mumbai was the only port and the only way to get to India. (Aero planes hadn’t been invented, you know). The Gateway was built so that anyone who visited India had to pass through it as a mark of respect (hmmmm…Wonder if you could go around it?)

3. Why is their so much security around the India Gate? (After all, it isn’t a gate, really, or door)

Ans. It is to protect the memory of the soldiers. If India was under attack, the enemy can’t blow up our India gate. (Unless, of course, they went over the India gate in a plane and dropped a bomb. But who would go to such trouble for one, small memorial?)  A lot of people would. It is not only a mark of respect to the dead soldiers; it also gives courage to the other soldiers. The soldiers would think “Oh, this person went to war and died so bravely, and I’m such a wimp. I’m going to fight bravely and die like them.” It also inspires other people to join the army.

Those people would think “Oh, this person fought and died in battle so bravely, and so many are fighting for our country, let me also be like them and be remembered.’’ (Obviously, these people didn’t know that their names don’t get carved into the India gate. Their ghosts and family will also be disappointed) so, if the India gate was destroyed, the Indian army also.

4. On republic day, why is the India gate on the route of the parade?

Ans. The Republic day is to symbolize India and its history. The India gate is one of the main landmarks in Indian history. That is why the India gate is on the route of the republic day parade.

The India gate is a memorial of bravery and I am inspired by it. I enjoyed seeing it and I hope you liked this article about it.

DEVANSHIKA BAJPAI.

The Legend Of The Lion

The Legend Of The Lion
The legend of the city of Singapore

Once upon a time, there lived a brave and valiant prince called Sang Nila Uttama of the great Sri Vijaya empire. One day, he decided to go on a sea voyage to discover different and amazing lands. Before he set off, his father, the king, gave him a bejeweled Crown. After some time, he and his crew saw a far off island.

The Prince asked, “What is that island?”

One of his crew members answered, “That is the fisher village of Temasek, your majesty”.

“Let us explore it, then,” said the prince.

But, as soon as they neared the island, the sea became rough. Strong winds blew and it seemed as if the evil spirits were against them. All the prince’s crew were huddled together, terrified. But the prince knew what he must do. He threw his bejeweled crown into the sea, as a gift to the sea spirits. Immediately, the sea became calm and they were able to set anchor on the island. As soon as they got off the ship, they were confronted with a strange beast, a lion, but the prince and his crew didn’t know what a lion was. So, the prince drew out his sword and went forward to kill him.

But as the prince looked into the lion‘s eyes, a moment of understanding came between the lion and the prince. Slowly, the lion moved away and allowed the prince and his crew to enter the island.  

 

“From now on, this island shall be known as Singapura, after the beast that guards it,” announced the prince.

And to this day, on the coins of the city, it is written as Singapura, not Singapore.
 

The symbol of Singapore

In the year 1966, the Singapore tourism board decided that Singapore needed a new symbol  as an attraction. So, the merlion was created. The lion head of the merlion symbolizes the legend of Singapura and how the city got its name. The tail of a fish symbolizes the many blessings of the sea that Singapore has, and of the way Singapore has flourished as a seaport.

There are two Merlion in Singapore - the one at Sentosa island which is eight storeys tall and there are balconies the head and mouth .The view from the head’s balcony is an amazing view, in which you can see the whole of Singapore.

It was a pleasure to meet the Merlion and I look forward to seeing it again!