Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Dec 16: Northern Command of the Army celebrated 42nd anniversary of ‘Vijay Divas’ with traditional enthusiasm at the command headquarters and others parts today.
A large number of service personnel participated in the celebrations and paid homage to the men in uniform who sacrificed their lives while defending the motherland during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The main function here commenced with the wreath laying ceremony at Dhruva War Memorial by GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen K T Parnaik. The ceremony was attended by senior retired officers, besides other serving personnel, civilian dignitaries and ex-servicemen.
The Army Commander highlighted the role of the fore bearers in achieving major military victories in the 1971 war. He conveyed his greetings and best wishes to all ranks of the army, ex-servicemen, civilians and their families. He said this glorious day in the annals of history of the Indian Army was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of our soldiers during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The Indian Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the nation. The Army on this day pledged once again to uphold the sacred values of our Republic and to serve the motherland with courage, loyalty and utmost dedication.
Lt Gen Parnaik further said that Army continues to be actively engaged in combating external and internal threat to the integrity of the nation. The Army Commander complimented all those deployed in the Command for their immense contribution in combating terrorism. On this occasion, Lt Gen HJS Sachdev, Chief of Staff Hq Northern Command flagged off an educational tour of 40 participants.
Vijay Divas is celebrated on December 16 every year to commemorate historic victory over Pakistani forces. It was on this day that the largest military surrender after World War-II took place at Dhaka when the GOC-in-C Eastern Command Jagjit Singh Aurora accepted the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops from Lt Gen A K Niazi of Pakistan Army.
To commemorate the day, GOC of 16 Corps Lt Gen H S Hooda released a book containing details of the gallant soldiers of the White Knight Corps.
In Tiger Division wreaths were laid by the GOC of the Division and other decorated soldiers including Hony Capt Bana Singh PVC at Tiger War Memorial, Satwari. Various other formation commanders, serving and retired officers and soldiers were present on the occasion. To commemorate the great day at Akhnoor, GOC Cross Swords Division and other officers laid wreaths at the war memorial in presence of large number of senior and junior officers besides other ranks and ex-servicemen.
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