National Police Memorial
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 22, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 534,600 |
| Perforation | 13¾ x 13¾ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3478 Yvert et Tellier IN 3167 Stanley Gibbons IN 3561 |
| Themes | Monuments | Police | Sculptures |
National Police Memorial Stamp – Honouring the Guardians of the Nation
The National Police Memorial (NPM), located at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, stands as a solemn tribute to the martyrdom and valour of India’s police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. It is the only national memorial in the country dedicated to police martyrs, embodying the spirit of sacrifice, service, and national pride.
A Symbol of Courage and Commitment
The memorial was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Police Commemoration Day, October 21, 2018 — a date that holds deep significance. On this day in 1959, ten brave Indian policemen made the ultimate sacrifice at Hot Springs in Ladakh, when Chinese troops ambushed their patrol. This act of courage became the foundation for the annual Police Commemoration Day.
Architecture and Symbolism
The National Police Memorial is a thoughtfully designed complex that reflects the strength, resilience, and spirit of the Indian Police Forces. It comprises:
- The Central Sculpture – A 30-foot-tall monolithic granite pillar, designed by the National Gallery of Modern Art, symbolizing the unyielding courage of a police officer who stands firm in duty. The black granite signifies endurance and karmic strength. At its base burns the ‘Jeeva Jyot’, an eternal flame representing the immortal spirit of police martyrs.
- The Wall of Valour – Engraved with the names of 34,844 police martyrs (as of August 2018), this wall honours those who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation — be it guarding borders, countering terrorism, combating crime, or responding to disasters. The memorial is dynamic, allowing for the inclusion of names of new martyrs each year.
- The National Police Museum – Situated within the premises, the museum showcases the rich history of Indian policing, displaying rare artifacts, uniforms, weapons, and documents from Central and State Police Forces. A dedicated section honours the fallen heroes from across the country, preserving their stories for generations to come.
A Tribute Through Philately
To commemorate the courage and sacrifice of India’s police personnel, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on the National Police Memorial. The National Police Memorial Stamp serves as a symbolic salute to the brave hearts who stand as sentinels of peace, security, and justice across the nation.
Legacy of Honour
The National Police Memorial is not merely a monument; it is a living testament to the undying dedication of those who protect the country with unwavering resolve. Every brick, inscription, and flame at the memorial reminds the nation of the police force’s eternal vow — to serve with courage, integrity, and sacrifice.