NEW DELHI: In line with the Modi government’s efforts to move away from colonial-era legacies, Rashtrapati Bhavan has embraced a significant transformation. The corridors that once displayed portraits of British Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) have been reimagined as Param Vir Dirgha, a distinguished gallery honouring all 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration for valour.
The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for exceptional acts of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy during wartime, recognising the nation’s most extraordinary soldiers.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, until very recently, showcased portraits of British ADCs — a reminder of who ruled us.
Today, that same space stands transformed into Param Vir Dirgha, honouring all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees — those who bled and laid down their lives for India. 🇮🇳… pic.twitter.com/ZEghUZpw2Q
— BJP (@BJP4India) December 17, 2025
On December 16, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha, marking the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh. The gallery now showcases the portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, paying tribute to India’s bravest soldiers and replacing colonial-era symbols with a celebration of national heroism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the initiative, calling the Param Vir Dirgha a fitting tribute to the nation’s indomitable heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard India’s unity and integrity.
एक लंबे कालखंड तक, राष्ट्रपति भवन की गैलरी में ब्रिटिश काल के सैनिकों के चित्र लगे थे। अब उनके स्थान पर, देश के परमवीर विजेताओं के चित्र लगाए गए हैं। राष्ट्रपति भवन में परमवीर दीर्घा का निर्माण गुलामी की मानसिकता से निकलकर भारत को नवचेतना से जोड़ने के अभियान का एक उत्तम उदाहरण… pic.twitter.com/VTWStQkEqV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2025
“In the Param Vir Gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the portraits of our nation’s brave soldiers stand as a heartfelt tribute to those who defended the motherland with their supreme sacrifice,” he said. “Honouring these heroes, in the presence of the families of two Param Vir Chakra awardees and other recipients, makes this dedication even more special.”
PM Modi emphasised that the gallery represents a step away from the “mentality of slavery” and a move toward connecting the nation with a renewed sense of consciousness.
“For a long time, the Rashtrapati Bhavan displayed portraits of British-era soldiers. Today, those walls celebrate the valor of India’s Param Vir Chakra awardees. The creation of the Param Vir Dirgha exemplifies the campaign to shed colonial legacies and embrace a proud, self-aware national identity. A few years ago, the government also named several islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group after Param Vir Chakra winners,” he noted.
He further highlighted the gallery’s significance for India’s youth: “These portraits and this gallery serve as a living inspiration, connecting young Indians with our tradition of courage and sacrifice. It will instill in them the importance of self-confidence and determination in serving the nation. I hope this place becomes a vibrant pilgrimage for the spirit of a developed India.”
