Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Dec 16: The 43rd anniversary of “Vijay Diwas” was celebrated with traditional enthusiasm at Northern Command headquarters here and other locations across the State today.
A large number of civil dignitaries, ex- servicemen and service personnel participated in the celebrations and paid homage to the martyrs, who laid down their lives in Indo-Pak war of 1971.
December 16th each year, is celebrated as ‘ Vijay Diwas’ to commemorate India’s historic victory over Pakistan. The swift and professionally planned operations executed by the Indian Armed forces led to one of the greatest military victories recorded in the annals of World history.
It was on this day, that the largest military surrender after World War -II took place at Dhaka when the General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora accepted the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops from Lt Gen AK Niazi of the Pakistan Army. This historic victory signifies a unique and unparalleled feat wherein our forces fought selflessly for a just and noble cause; the liberation of the people of erstwhile East Pakistan and the creation of a sovereign independent Bangladesh.
The Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath laying ceremony at Dhurva War Memorial by Lt Gen DS Hooda, GOC-in-C (Army Commander).
In his special message the Lt Gen Hooda highlighted the role of the Indian Armed forces in achieving major military victories in the 1971 war. This glorious day in the annals of history of the Indian Army was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of valiant soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. He said the Indian Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the Nation.
While remembering the martyrs, all ranks of the Northern Command reaffirmed steadfast and lifelong commitment to the martyr’s families. Gen Hooda exhorted all ranks of the Northern Command to rededicate themselves in the service of the nation and emulate the devotion and resoluteness of war veterans and martyrs.
Meanwhile, Vijay Diwas was celebrated at Headquarters Western Command today, to commemorate the spectacular victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistani forces on both the Eastern as well as Western Fronts in 1971. The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 – also known as “Bangladesh War” was fought from 03 to 16 December, 1971 and resulted in one of the most decisive victory with over 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendering to Indian Forces and the creation of nation state of Bangladesh.
To commemorate this victory and pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives, a “wreath laying ceremony” was organised at the ‘Veer Smriti’ at Chandimandir (near Chd).
Lt General KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command laid wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Western Command. General VP Malik (Retired) laid wreath on behalf of war veterans of the Indo-Pak wars. Other serving officers, senior veterans and war decorated personnel also laid wreaths on the occasion. The patriotic fervour of the event was further enhanced with rendition of soulful patriotic songs.
A candle lighting ceremony was also held at the ‘Veer Smriti’ in the evening. All ranks and families of Chandimandir Military Station participated in the event.
Meanwhile, to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of “Vijay Diwas” Lt Gen KH Singh, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps laid wreath at the Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal in the Nagrota Garrison. The General Officer paid homage to the martyrs, who left a glorious trail of victory with their exemplary display of unwavering devotion to duty towards motherland.
Similar function was held at Chinar Corps, Srinagar, where Corps Commander Lt Gen Saha paid tributes to the martyrs.
Special children of Asha School, Jammu displayed extreme enthusiasm for celebrating Vijay Diwas in their unique way today. In Jammu Garrison, the students along with school staff paid tributes to the war heroes of 1971 India-Pakistan war. Emulating their brave soldiers, students also enjoyed the tank ride. On the occasion a picnic was hosted by the local unit.
Romeo and Uniform Forces celebrated 43rd Vijay Diwas to commemorate the Nation’s victory during 1971 Indo-Pak War and to pay homage to the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland.
The celebrations commenced with a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial.
On the occasion, the GOC, Romeo Force and Station Commander, Uniform Force exhorted all ranks of the forces to rededicate themselves to the task of nation building and emulate the devotion and absoluteness of war veterans and martyrs.
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