Shaheedi Park: Displaying Indians’ mettle

A walk in the evening at Shaheedi Park, touted as India’s first museum park, provides a glimpse of India’s ancient, medieval and modern history through prominent figures from Chhatrapati Shivaji to Mahatma Gandhi.

The museum park, located on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and developed on the waste-to-wonder theme by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over 4.5 acres of land, commemorates the sacrifice of India’s freedom fighters and depicts the country’s glorious past.

It captures the vast history of India through idols and sculptures made from 250 tonnes of scrap. All the articles are made of scrap metal from old trucks, electric poles, pipes, and other waste material.

The redeveloped park is a journey through time, divided into sections that span various historical periods. A leisurely stroll guides visitors from ancient times to the post-independence era, where each side is adorned with motifs showcasing warriors, freedom fighters, politicians, and soldiers spanning different historical time periods.

Notably, freedom fighters such as Gandhi, Rani Laxmibai, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, and Mangal Pandey receive special attention, their significance highlighted through larger-than-life statues capturing pivotal moments from their lives. Witness Mahatma Gandhi leading the iconic Dandi March or Mangal Pandey valiantly battling British soldiers during India’s first war for independence.

In a heartfelt salute, the park also pays homage to post-independence army veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The space reverently commemorates former leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, alongside esteemed Indian scientists.

Around 10 artists and 700 artisans built the park in six months on the sidelines of the 75 years of India’s independence amid the ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was inaugurated on August 8 by CM Arvind Kejrawal and LG VK Saxena.

In order to elevate the park’s aesthetic appeal, approximately 56,000 trees and shrubs such as Champa, Kachnar, and Syngonium, among others, have been planted.

The ticket price is Rs 100 per person and the park, built at a cost of Rs 16.5 crore, is open from 10 am to 10 pm.