VIJAY Diwas, which marks the Indian military’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and the creation of Bangladesh, was observed across the country on Wednesday. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in the national capital, marking the beginning of the 50th anniversary year celebrations of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971. In a tweet, Modi said, “On Vijay Diwas we recall the unwavering courage of our Armed Forces that resulted in a decisive victory for our nation in the 1971 war. On this special Vijay Diwas, had the honour of lighting the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial.”

 

The Prime Minister was joined by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Staff and tri-Service chiefs as he laid wreath and paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country. Four victory mashaals (flaming torches) will be carried to various parts of India, including to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of the 1971 war, the defence ministry has said. “Soil from the villages of these awardees and from areas where major battles were fought in 1971 are being brought to the National War Memorial (NWM),” it said. As December 16 marks the anniversary of the military victory, the nation will celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (golden victory year) through several events across the country, and it will continue for a year. Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war veterans will be felicitated, the statement said, adding that band displays, seminars, exhibitions, equipment displays, film festivals, conclaves and adventure activities will also be held.

 

PRESIDENT LAUDS VALOUR OF INDIAN FORCES: President Ram Nath Kovind recalled the valour of Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 war and said, nation is eternally indebted to them. “On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valour of our soldiers that affirmed our nation’s unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them,” Kovind tweeted. VALOUR OF MARTYRED SOLDIERS CONTINUES TO INSPIRE US: VICE PRESIDENT: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid tributes to soldiers martyred in the 1971 war, saying that their courage and valour continues to inspire every Indian. “As we celebrate Vijay Divas today, I join the nation in paying homage to the martyrs of 1971 war,” the Vice President Secretariat tweeted quoting Naidu. “Their valour and courage wrote a glorious chapter in Indian history and continues to inspire every Indian,” he said. Salute to tradition of courage of Indian Army: Rajnath: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the sacrifice made by soldiers during the 1971 war is a source of inspiration for all Indians and the nation will always remember them. “Today, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the tradition of courage and valour of the Indian Army.

 

I remember the bravery of those courageous soldiers who wrote a new tale of valour during the 1971 war,” Singh tweeted. CONGRESS LAUDS ARMED FORCES: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi joined a host of Congress leaders in saluting the Armed Forces and remembering Indira Gandhi, who was Prime Minister at the time. “Greetings to people of the country on the celebration of India’s historic victory over Pakistan in 1971 and salutations to the valour of our armed forces,” he said in a tweet in Hindi. “This was a time when India’s neighbouring countries used to recognise the mettle of the Indian Prime Minister and feared violating the borders of our country,” the Congress leader added. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that India gave a befitting reply in 1971 to those giving threats of the “seventh fleet” by its victory over Pakistan and planted the flag of India’s power and sovereignty. Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also extended greetings to the people of the country on Vijay Diwas when Pakistan was defeated. The country is indebted to its brave soldiers and ‘Iron lady’ Indira Gandhi, he said.