Mumbai’s ‘Neverever’ Memorial: NSG to Honour 26/11 Heroes at Gateway of India with a Powerful National Pledge

Mumbai continues to carry the memory of 26/11 not just as a tragic chapter, but as a testament to courage, resilience and the unbreakable spirit that defines the city. As the anniversary approaches, the Mumbai unit of the National Security Guard (NSG) is preparing to host a deeply meaningful memorial and pledge ceremony at the Gateway of India. The initiative, themed “Neverever,” reflects a collective national commitment that such an attack must never occur again. More than a commemorative event, it is a reminder of shared responsibility, vigilance and unity.

The NSG played a critical role during the 26/11 attacks, leading the counter-operation that eventually neutralised the terrorists after four days of intense combat. Their return to host this remembrance at one of Mumbai’s most symbolic locations adds emotional depth to the tribute. The event is designed not only to honour the martyrs and survivors but to reaffirm a long-term civic and national resolve rooted in memory, determination and hope.

A Memorial Built on Meaning, Memory and Collective Healing

At the heart of the ceremony is a uniquely conceptualised memorial zone that will feature photographs and names of the Bravehearts who lost their lives. This includes police personnel, local citizens, tourists, foreign nationals and NSG commandos, among them Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, whose sacrifice remains etched into India’s security history.

The arrangement of floral tributes, candles and visual displays is designed to create a space where visitors can pause, reflect and connect emotionally with the stories of the fallen. One of the most striking elements is the “living memorial,” created using wax collected from homage candles. This symbolic structure will be preserved for future observances, signifying that remembrance evolves over time, and that the city continues to carry its heroes forward with it.

Such a design echoes the vision behind permanent memorials in global cities: keeping memory alive not through static structures alone, but through living, participatory rituals that bind communities together.

Youth as Guardians of Memory and Future Resolve

An important dimension of the Neverever initiative is its engagement with young citizens across Mumbai. Eleven colleges and twenty-six schools will organise pledge ceremonies, allowing students to commit themselves to the values of peace, vigilance and national responsibility.

By involving young people, the NSG aims to create continuity between generations. The memory of 26/11 is no longer just historical; it becomes a guiding framework for civic behaviour and collective consciousness. Students taking the pledge are reminded that national security is a shared responsibility and that awareness, solidarity and empathy are vital elements in a democratic society.

This youth-led component helps transform remembrance into action, turning the memory of 26/11 into a long-term behavioural promise that aligns with India’s larger security and social priorities.

Citizens at the Centre of the Tribute

The event at the Gateway of India will also include public participation features such as a pledge booth and a message-writing corner. Citizens can sign the Neverever pledge and leave handwritten messages to honour martyrs, survivors and families affected by the attacks. This participatory approach brings the ceremony beyond symbolic gestures and fosters a sense of belonging and ownership.

A curated programme will feature tributes to survivors and families of the martyrs, along with special audio-visual presentations that narrate the events, sacrifices and resilience seen during and after the tragic incident. These segments aim to educate, remind and unify people in a shared emotional experience, reinforcing Mumbai’s long-held reputation for collective strength.

A City Illuminated to Honour Its Heroes
 

As evening sets in, the Gateway of India will be illuminated in the colours of the national flag along with the word “Neverever.” This striking visual will serve as a symbolic message: remembrance must shine brighter than fear. The tricolour lighting reaffirms national unity while the Neverever inscription underscores the event’s central purpose, ensuring that the lessons of 26/11 are never forgotten.

Landmark illumination has become a widely recognised form of civic expression in modern cities. By lighting up the Gateway of India, Mumbai is telling the world that its resilience is not abstract; it is visible, collective and deeply rooted in memory.

Remembering 26/11: A Tragedy and a Turning Point

The 26/11 attacks remain one of the darkest moments in India’s history. Carried out by ten heavily armed terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, the incident claimed around 150 lives and injured hundreds more. The targets included hotels, a railway station, a Jewish centre and public spaces frequented by locals and tourists.

The four-day siege was marked by extraordinary bravery from police forces, hotel staff, civilians and, ultimately, the NSG. Operation Black Tornado, led by NSG commandos, ended the standoff with the elimination of the final terrorists at the Taj Hotel in Colaba. These operations highlighted the professionalism, courage and sacrifice of security forces and reshaped India’s counter-terrorism approach in the years that followed.

A Tribute Rooted in Courage, Unity and Collective Memory

By organising the Neverever ceremony, the NSG’s Mumbai unit is doing more than marking an anniversary. It is ensuring that the legacy of the fallen continues to guide future generations. The event reinforces that memory is a powerful institution, one that shapes identity, strengthens vigilance and inspires resilience.

The Gateway of India, with its historical significance and emotional resonance, stands as a fitting venue to honour those who gave their lives. Through candles, pledges, public participation and youth engagement, the Neverever memorial creates a space where past sacrifices meet future responsibility.

The 26/11 tragedy will always remain a reminder of the vulnerabilities cities face. Yet events like these remind us that courage, unity and remembrance are India’s most enduring strengths. The NSG’s tribute ensures that while wounds may heal, memory will continue to protect Mumbai, and the nation, for generations to come.