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Police Commemoration Day: 21th October 2025
Police Commemoration Day: October 21, 2025
The Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on October 21st across India to pay solemn tribute to the thousands of police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, both domestically and while defending the nation's borders. It is a day of remembrance, honor, and a reaffirmation of the nation's gratitude for the selfless service of the police forces.
Declaration of Commemoration Day
In January 1960, the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories made the solemn decision that October 21st would henceforth be observed as "Commemoration Day" or "Martyrs' Day" by all police forces in India, in memory of the sacrifices made at Hot Springs and to honour all police personnel who lay down their lives in the service of the nation.
Significance of the Day in Modern India
The day is a moment for the entire nation to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by police forces in various domains:
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Counter-Insurgency and Terrorism: The day honors the personnel who have fallen in the fight against terrorism, militancy, and insurgency in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and the 'Red Corridor' (Naxal-affected areas).
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Maintenance of Law and Order: It pays tribute to the countless lives lost in performing routine yet dangerous duties, such as crime prevention, traffic control, investigation, and maintaining public order.
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Humanitarian Service: It acknowledges the police's role in disaster relief operations, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and other humanitarian challenges, where they often act as first responders.
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National Security and Integrity: The day reinforces the police forces' paramount role in safeguarding the nation's internal security and territorial integrity, often serving in extremely challenging environments.
Observances and Tribute (2025)
The main observance of Police Commemoration Day takes place at the National Police Memorial (NPM) in New Delhi.
The National Police Memorial
Dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister in 2018, the NPM is the central site of reverence. It comprises three main elements:
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Central Sculpture: A 30-foot high granite monolith cenotaph that symbolizes the strength, resilience, and selfless service of police personnel.
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The Wall of Valour: A long wall on which the names of over 35,000 police martyrs who have sacrificed their lives since India's Independence in 1947 are inscribed.
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National Police Museum: A museum dedicated to showcasing the history, artifacts, and evolution of policing in India.
Commemorative Events
On October 21st, the main function is customarily presided over by the Union Home Minister, involving:
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Commemoration Parade: A joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Delhi Police.
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Wreath-Laying Ceremony: Senior dignitaries lay wreaths at the National Police Memorial to pay homage to the martyrs.
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Reading of the Roll of Honor: The names of the police personnel who attained martyrdom in the previous year are read out across the country to acknowledge their supreme sacrifice.
Across all states and Union Territories, police units hold similar parades and ceremonies at local police memorials, often accompanied by community-engagement activities such as blood donation camps, essay competitions, and motorcycle rallies to foster stronger bonds between the police and the public.
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