When you think of places to visit in Bengaluru, the first few spots that come to mind maybe Lalbagh, Cubbon Park or Bannerghatta Biological Park. But Bengaluru has more to offer. Among the lesser known attractions in the city is the National Military Memorial and the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain on Ali Askar Road.
Located at the heart of the city, opposite Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, the park is a paradise for joggers and fitness freaks. With a wide track, mornings at the park are usually packed with walkers and joggers of all age groups. Offering rare occasions of peace and solitude within the city, this is one place where mornings are quiet. Despite the few traffic snarls heard in the evenings, the open layout and sheer expanse of the park make it a noise-free zone. Sristhi Chauhan and Priya Dagar, two teenagers and best-friends who have been frequenting the park for about seven months now, say: “We come here to exercise and find the park serene and calm. It is also safe with ample security.”
Entering the park, you will be transported into a different world altogether. The National Military Memorial is dedicated to the personnel who laid their lives down gallantly during India’s wars. The names of over 22,000 soldiers who died in major conflicts that took place post-Independence are inscribed on stones, reminding everyone of the price of our freedom.
Numerous exhibits of military and defence systems are also attention-grabbers in the park such as tanks, missiles, rockets, air planes and carriers, including Brahmos, AAD, Prithvi and Agni —four missiles from the DRDO.
Though the exhibits are, by themselves, impressive, they are not accompanied by name plates and descriptions of history, construction and use. Due to lack of information boards or officials explaining their importance, visitors are clueless about this spot’s significance.
Among other attractions, a gigantic National Flag is mounted in the centre of the park. On a day with a strong breeze, the sight of the Tri-colour fluttering is spell-binding. There is a ceremony for hoisting the flag by Army personnel. Standing at 207 feet, measuring 72 feet in length, 48 feet in width and weighing 31 kg, the Flag is the perfect symbol of National service.
If you happen to enter the park from the T Chowdiah Road, you will make your way towards the musical fountain and walk past solar panels, a windmill and a play-area for children. The area surrounding the fountain is filled with lush green trees, shrubs and creepers. Added to these are a rosary, rockery and lawns that beautify the area.
The landscaped park, maintained by the Department of Horticulture, is spread over 17 hectares. At the entrance is a railway engine placed in honour of the then Central Railway Minister CK Jaffer Sharief, who opened the musical fountain in 1995.
The musical show comprises synchronised, rhythmic movement of water accompanied by songs and lights, making it an audio-visual delight. The songs are usually Bollywood numbers, Kannada songs as well as patriotic songs. The show ends with “Sare Jahan Se Achha” that usually gives goosebumps to the audience. Pramila Sood and Jessy Prafoola, two senior citizens, who come to the park regularly chorus: “The musical fountain is a fantastic experience. The park is well-maintained and peaceful. We come here almost every day as we live nearby.”
Hardik Parankusha and his sister Lakshmi Parangkusha, two young children, who came to the park to see the musical fountain along with their grandparents, say: “We have come from America and have seen nothing like this before. It was thrilling to see streams of water shoot high in the sky, collide and make mesmerising patterns. ”
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