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.