Pune: ‘Vijay Diwas 2018’ was celebrated on Sunday at the National War Memorial, Southern Command, Pune. This day marks the splendid victory achieved by India over Pakistan 47 years ago.
“The ‘greatest victory ever’ saw the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation and India rose as a regional power to reckon with. With this decisive victory over a formidable opponent, the Armed Forces of India once again affirmed themselves as a strong component of national power,” Southern Command stated in a press release.
The solemn ceremony on Sunday was a token of remembrance for those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The memorial service which had the military band in attendance, included rendition of patriotic songs by children from various schools and prayers by religious teachers of the Armed Forces to pay homage to the martyrs.
Wreaths were laid by senior veterans of Pune which included officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks. Senior serving officers of the three services present in Pune also paid homage to the martyrs by laying wreaths. On behalf of the citizens of Pune, Siddharth Dhende, Deputy Mayor of Pune along with Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner (General Administration) and Bachchan Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police laid the wreaths at the War Memorial.
The final wreath as a mark of respect to the martyrs was laid by Lieutenant General SK Saini, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. The silence observed by all present echoed skywards to the martyrs of this great nation as an appropriate tribute to their steely resolve to defend India at all costs.
1971 Indo-Pak war
The war began with Pakistan launching pre-emptive air strikes against 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. The war was forced upon India by widespread genocide of people of East Pakistan carried out by an oppressive military regime under General Yahya Khan of Pakistan. The war, which was short and intense, was fought on both Eastern and Western fronts. The 13-day war resulted in a complete surrender of Pakistani forces and the creation of Bangladesh.
Role of Southern Command
During the war, Southern Command valiantly defended the borders. The notable battles in the area of responsibility of the Southern Army included the famous battle of Longewala where Pakistan’s armoured forces were destroyed by Indian troops. The raid on Pakistani town of Chachro carried out by soldiers of the renowned 10 Para Commando Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel (Later Brigadier) Bhawani Singh, was another famous military action. These battles have gone down the pages of history as fine examples of grit, determination and bravery of our soldiers.
