Asal Uttar, Punjab’s first war memorial village

THE opening of Punjab’s first military heritage site at Asal Uttar is a fitting tribute to a decisive moment in India’s history. Fought from September 8 to 10, 1965, in the Khemkaran sector of Punjab, this clash is remembered as one of the largest tank battles since World War II. Marking the diamond jubilee of the war, the Army and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have joined hands to open Punjab’s first military heritage site at Asal Uttar. The new museum, photo gallery and audio-visual facilities now stand as a testament to the courage of soldiers and the resilience of local villagers who supported them.

This is a timely step, for history often risks fading into the margins unless actively preserved. For Punjab, a state scarred by the turbulence of Partition and subsequent conflicts, commemorating this battle is not merely about military pride. It is also about reclaiming and conserving shared memory. The Punjab government must develop Asal Uttar into a tourist and educational destination. The site offers potential both as a centre of patriotic learning for the younger generation and as a heritage tourism hub. Monuments and memorials here should be transformed into living spaces where stories of courage, sacrifice and strategy are retold with dignity.

Also, importantly, Asal Uttar reminds us that security is never to be taken for granted. Wars are fought not only with weapons but also with will, organisation and community support. In revisiting this history, India should draw lessons about resilience in an era of new challenges — from terrorism to cyber warfare. The Asal Uttar heritage project is, therefore, more than a monument. It is a bridge between memory and responsibility, urging citizens to remember the past while preparing wisely for the future.