On October 21, India solemnly observed Police Commemoration Day, a day dedicated to honouring the supreme sacrifices of police personnel who have laid down their lives safeguarding the nation. The day marks the memory of ten valiant police personnel martyred in a Chinese ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959, and has since been a tribute to all police forces who have displayed extraordinary courage and dedication in the line of duty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the nation’s police personnel, acknowledging their bravery, commitment, and the risks they face daily to ensure citizens’ safety. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “On Police Commemoration Day, we salute the courage of our police personnel and recall the supreme sacrifice by them in the line of duty. Their steadfast dedication keeps our nation and people safe. Their bravery and commitment in times of crisis and in moments of need are appreciable.”
On Police Commemoration Day, we salute the courage of our police personnel and recall the supreme sacrifice by them in the line of duty. Their steadfast dedication keeps our nation and people safe. Their bravery and commitment in times of crisis and in moments of need are…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings, recognising the pivotal role of the police as first responders in protecting the nation’s internal security. “Warm greetings to the police personnel on Police Commemoration Day. As first responders, our forces have scripted glory by thwarting crimes and threats to internal security, and by protecting citizens’ rights with exemplary courage and commitment. My solemn homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives serving the nation,” he said.
Warm greetings to the police personnel on Police Commemoration Day.
As first responders, our forces have scripted glory by thwarting crimes and threats to internal security, and by protecting citizens rights with exemplary courage and commitment.
My solemn homage to the martyrs… pic.twitter.com/Jddd2gxg2M
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2025
The National Police Memorial (NPM) in Chanakyapuri, inaugurated by PM Modi on Police Commemoration Day in 2018, stood at the centre of the commemorations. The memorial, a 30-foot-high granite monolith with a ‘Wall of Valour’ and an accompanying museum documenting the evolution of policing in India, symbolises the unity, pride, and resilience of India’s police forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the programme at the NPM, paying floral tributes to fallen heroes and addressing the gathering. Singh stressed the indispensable role of police in maintaining internal security and fostering public trust. “Any society can only move towards peace and progress when it has a strong sense of security, justice, and trust. Our police personnel are responsible for all three. At the same time, the police can function effectively only when society cooperates with them and respects the law,” he said, underscoring the interdependence of law enforcement and society.
He further highlighted the dual pillars of national security external and internal. While the armed forces and coast guard protect India’s borders, it is the police who maintain internal stability in coordination with intelligence agencies, ensuring that citizens live in safety.
पुलिस स्मृति दिवस देश की सुरक्षा में अपने आप को समर्पित कर देने वाले हमारे पुलिस, और सभी Paramilitary forces के जवानों के त्याग को याद करने का दिन है। मैं भारत के नागरिकों की सुरक्षा में, अपने प्राणों को आहूत कर देने वाले सुरक्षा बलों को, श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ: रक्षा…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) October 21, 2025
Across the nation, commemorative events are held to honour martyrs and engage communities. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) organise family visits, police band displays, motorcycle rallies, the “Run for Fallen Policemen,” blood donation camps, and essay and painting competitions for children from October 22 to 30, reinforcing the legacy and sacrifices of those who serve the nation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid floral tributes at the Police Headquarters, Naigaon, and interacted with families of fallen personnel. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for the unwavering courage of the state’s police personnel, honouring their sacrifice for the safety and security of citizens.
https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1980464986603315493
“CM Devendra Fadnavis humbly offered floral tributes to the brave police personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He also greeted diplomats, dignitaries, and families of martyrs present for the Police Commemoration Day Parade,” the CMO Maharashtra noted in a post on X.
