National War Museum
The Detroit of India, Pensioner’s Paradise, Oxford of the East and the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is marked by its natural beauty, cultural activities and places of tourist interests. From the past till today, Pune has been attracting tourists from various parts of the country and the world. Among the other attractions of the city, the museums hold a special position. There are many museums in the city which are noticeable for their distinctive features and social and historical importance.
The popular museums of Pune are Swami Vivekananda Museum, Mahatma Phule Museum, Tribal Museum, Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum and the National war museum. The National war museum in Pune is a museum of national interest and national importance. It was in the year 1996 that the idea of the National war Museum was proposed for the first time. After two years, in 1998 the National War Museum was inaugurated and opened.
This museum is situated at Pune Cantonment, an area reserved for armed forces. It is surrounded by lush green trees and thus looks very appealing.
The National War Museum is a result of public’s initiative to set up some museums in fond memory of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. The citizens of Pune, under the Express Citizens’ Forum established the War Memorial Fund. Thus funds were collected from the citizens of the country for this noble cause. From the rich business executives to the common man, all contributed to this fund according to their abilities. Then the foundation of the National War Museum was laid in November 1977 and finally opened for the public in October 1998.
The National War Museum, also known as the National War Memorial is a patriotic site. It is made of pillars and measures 25 feet. It is the only war memorial in South Asia which was constructed by raising funds from the public. The museum has a MIG 23 BN that was used in the Kargil War, for public display.
The War Museum is a place of educational importance. Students guided by their teachers visit the place and they know more about the martyr’s sacrifices. Thus they also learn the social values.
Every state should have a war museum which exemplifies the sacrifices of the war martyrs. With the National War Museum, Pune can take pride in its national heritage. Such a museum not only keeps the national history alive; but it also adds currency to the national treasury by being a place of tourist interest. Foreigners who are unaware of the great souls who lost their lives in wars, can feel their value by visiting such a museum.
Thus the National war museum is a place of immense significance. If you are in Pune and have not visited this, you have surely missed something. Go and have a view of this magnificent war museum. By this, you can recall the forgotten lives who had laid down their lives for the betterment of the society.
Visiting Hours:
8 am to 5 pm all days, except Wednesday.
Closed on:
Wednesday
Entry Fees
Rs 5 Per Person
How To Reach
The museum is located at Pune Cantonment which is near the Pune Railway station. You can hire an auto from the railway station.
