As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Bengaluru’s patriotic spirit shines not only in festivities but also in its enduring military heritage. The city is home to several landmarks that honour the armed forces, preserving stories of courage and sacrifice.
At Ulsoor Lake, the Madras Sappers of the Madras Engineer Group, established in 1780, stand as symbols of engineering skill and battlefield bravery. Retired Colonel P. Jayaraja recalls how cantonments once lay apart from the city, pristine and green, a charm now diminished by urban expansion.
Minsk Square houses a stainless-steel full-scale model of the LCA Tejas, India’s indigenous multirole fighter jet, installed by HAL and cherished by generations of Bengalureans.
On Brigade Road, the World War Memorial pays tribute to Madras Pioneers, with inscriptions honouring Sikh soldiers who resisted Afghan forces during the Great War of 1914–18.
The National Military Memorial Park in Vasanth Nagar lists martyrs’ names in granite, showcasing Army, Navy, and Air Force history. Bengaluru’s location and climate once made it a preferred rest and training centre for soldiers.
The Indian Army Tornadoes on Trinity Church Road, famed motorcycle stunt specialists, train at ASC Centre (South).
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground on MG Road remains the city’s hub for grand parades and national celebrations.
In RT Nagar, the Parachute Regiment Training Centre’s statue of a paratrooper symbolises airborne courage and readiness. Together, these sites form Bengaluru’s living salute to the nation’s defenders.