PUNE: To commemorate the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Vijay Diwas was celebrated at the National War Memorial, Southern Command, on Monday in the presence of GOC-in-C SK Saini, Commissioner of Police Dr K Venkatesham, Pune Divisional Commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar and other officers, retired soldiers and school children.
The ‘greatest victory’ was in support of liberation of Bangladesh and saw the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
The ceremony was held in remembrance for the brave sons of India 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 Army Public School (APS), Khadki and APS Pune.
There were also prayers by the 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 (JCOs) and Other Ranks. Homage was also paid by Police Commissioner Venkatesham and Divisional Commissioner Mhaisekar and prominent citizens of Pune.
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 based in Pune.
The 1971 War began with Pakistan launching pre-emptive air strikes against 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. The war was forced upon India due to widespread genocide of people of East Pakistan which led to a large influx of refugees into India. The war, short and intense, was fought on both Eastern and Western fronts. The 13-day war resulted in surrender of Pakistani forces and the creation of Bangladesh.
“During the war, Southern Command valiantly defended the borders of the nation. The notable battles which were fought included the famous battle of Longewala where Pakistan’s armoured forces were destroyed by resolute 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 valiant military action. These battles have gone down the pages of history as fine examples of grit, determination and bravery of our soldiers. “Vijay Diwas’ is an apt reminder of the same,” Southern Command stated in a press release.
Wreath laying at Armoured Corps Centre & School
The Armoured Corps Centre & School, Ahmednagar, ‘Mecca’ of Armoured Corps, also celebrated ‘Vijay Diwas’. In a solemn wreath laying ceremony’ held at the Armoured Corps War Memorial, Commandant Maj Gen Shailjanand Jha and other senior serving officers and veterans laid wreath to pay tribute to the brave hearts who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
