In a first, JNU sets up 'Wall of Heroes' at campus

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday became the first educational institute in the country to set up the 'Wall of Heroes' at its campus following the lines of central government's 'Vidya Veerta Abhiyan' campaign.

JNU Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar unveiled the 15 by 20 feet frame set up on a wall at the varsity's convention center displaying photographs of 21 Param Veer Chakra award winners under the title 'Our Heroes'.

The varsity also paid condolence to all the martyrs. "Today if we are able to sit in our laboratories and study, if students can discuss and debate peacefully, it is only because of their sacrifices," Kumar said.

"If we are simply peaceful and tolerant society, that is not enough because there are forces both from outside the country and inside the country that is trying to destabilise the country. It is in this context that our soldiers play a key role in ensuring safety of the country," he said.

Several Army officers and their families also participated in the event. "It is so good to see that the government has taken this initiative to maintain the integrity of the nation," said Major General PK Sehgal.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Vijay, who was also present at the venue, said, "The wall was an expression of the invincible spirit of our forces."

JNU's 'Wall of Heroes' has been set up amid the raging debate on nationalism following a sedition row on campus over an event during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) had asked all the universities and educational institutions across the country to set up the wall depicting photographs of war warriors who showed extraordinary courage to defend the nation.

Delhi University is also set to launch its 'Wall of Heroes' in the university's conference center very soon.