Noida, 26 January 2026
The 77th Republic Day was observed with solemnity and patriotic fervour at the Shaheed Smarak in Sector 29, Noida. The National Flag, along with the flags of the three defence services, fluttered majestically, enhancing the grandeur of the memorial.
Veterans and citizens of Gautam Budh Nagar gathered to pay homage to the 45 gallant Shaheeds commemorated at this revered site. The Shaheed Smarak, India’s only tri-service memorial, was dedicated to the nation by the three Service Chiefs on 13 April 2002.
Lt Gen GL Bakshi, Chairman of the Sanstha, laid the first wreath at the cenotaph. Floral tributes were subsequently offered by Flt Lt JP Sharma, Col Chhibber, Mrs Thapar, Mrs Nargis Naqvi with her children and grandchildren, Mrs Sudesh and Dr Sangeeta, Naresh Sharma, Mrs Naruriyal, K Singh and family, Mrs Vijay Gupta, and other next of kin of the Shaheeds.
Senior veterans including Lt Gens RC Chadha, Surinder Verma, YP Khurana, Brigadier Bali, Ashok Mehidratta, Commander Narinder Mahajan; Colonels Shashi Vaid, OP Mehta, IP Singh, S Kharbanda, Supahia, Mahendra Kumar, Captain Kohli, Sameer Kohli; members of the Executive Committee of the Sanstha; and citizens of Gautam Budh Nagar also participated in paying their respects.
The most poignant moment of the ceremony came when Anaya, Rayan, and Shanaya Naqvi paid tribute to their grandfather, Shaheed Sqn Ldr I H Naqvi, moving the gathering with their heartfelt homage.
As a mark of appreciation for the staff who diligently maintain the sanctity and beauty of the memorial, sweets were distributed to all present.
Speaking to the media, Commander Narinder Mahajan announced that the Annual Homage Paying Function will be held on 23 February 2026. Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be the Chief Guest. The Souvenir 2026 is also scheduled to be released on the same occasion.
