Unveiling of Bronze Statue of Naik Yeshwant Ghadge in Montone, Italy

New Delhi : As a tribute to the extraordinary bravery of Indian war hero Naik Yeshwant Ghadge during the Second World War, a bronze statue in his honor was unveiled in Montone, Italy.

The statue was jointly inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to Italy, Ms. Vani Rao, and Mayor of Montone, Mr. Mirko Rinaldi. In a moving ceremony, the Italian military band performed the national anthems of both India and Italy. The event was attended by President of Perugia Province Massimiliano Presciutti, senior military and police officials, and a large number of local citizens.

Born on November 16, 1921, in Palsgaon-Ambrechi Wadi village in Mangaon taluka of Raigad district, Maharashtra, Yeshwant Ghadge served as a Naik in the 3/5 Maratha Light Infantry Regiment. On July 10, 1944, during a battle in the Upper Tiber Valley, after his fellow soldiers were killed or injured in an enemy machine gun assault, Ghadge launched a fearless solo attack on the enemy post. Using grenades and his rifle, he destroyed the enemy position but was martyred by sniper fire. For his supreme valor, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor of the British Empire. The city of Montone also conferred upon him the honorary title “Personaggio Illustre di Montone” (Illustrious Personality of Montone).

In 2023, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage at Ghadge’s memorial in Montone. The bronze statue, designed by Italian sculptor Emanuele Ventanni, was installed with the support of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

The ceremony served as a reminder of Naik Ghadge’s supreme sacrifice and further strengthened the bonds of friendship between India and Italy. Even after 80 years, the people of Montone continue to hold Naik Yeshwant Ghadge in deep reverence.