Jammu: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday led the nation in paying tributes to the fallen heroes of the 1971 war, which reshaped the political map of South Asia with the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation. The war ended with the surrender of over 90,000 Pakistani soldiers on December 16, 1971, marking a stupendous victory for India and bringing an end to the horrific violence inflicted by the Pakistani army on millions of Bangladeshis. India commemorates December 16 as Vijay Diwas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his heartfelt tribute, said the sacrifices of the soldiers will remain deeply embedded in India’s history and inspire future generations.
“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us,” PM Modi said in a post on ‘X’.
“This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history,” he added.
President Murmu, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, emphasized that the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers shall always remain a source of national pride.
“On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India,” President Murmu said on ‘X’.
“A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our brave-hearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national pride,” she added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked the occasion by laying a wreath and paying homage at the National War Memorial.
“Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces,” Singh said. “Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service,” he added.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan also paid rich tributes to the fallen heroes of the war, while conveying his compliments to all serving personnel, veterans, and ‘Veer Naris’ for their dedication, resolve, and enduring commitment towards the nation.
Adding to the solemn tributes, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha saluted the bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.
“On Vijay Diwas, I salute the brave warriors of our Armed Forces for their decisive victory in the 1971 war. Their selflessness, sacrifice, and heroism continue to inspire generations. Heartfelt tributes to their unwavering spirit and commitment to the nation,” LG Sinha said.
The nation came together on Vijay Diwas to honor the extraordinary courage and indomitable spirit of the Armed Forces, whose sacrifices will forever remain etched in India’s history.
Army’s Northern command marks celebrations in J&K, Ladakh
Jammu: The Army’s northern command Monday organised wreath-laying ceremonies at various places in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh to celebrate Vijay Diwas, which marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
The Udhampur-based Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath-laying ceremony led by its General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar at the Dhruva War Memorial, the Army said.
“He (Lt Gen Kumar) interacted with veterans who continue to inspire us through their legacy of courage and dedication,” the Northern Command said in a post on X.
The Jammu-based Tiger Division also celebrated the day at the ‘Balidan Stambh’, a war memorial, here.
The event was held to commemorate the supreme sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers during the India-Pakistan war of 1971 in which the Indian armed forces defeated the Pakistan Army in only 13 days to end the war on December 16, 1971, a defence spokesperson said.
To commemorate the event, the deputy general officer commanding, Tiger Division, laid a wreath at the eternal flame of the memorial with a ceremonial guard of honour in the presence of other ranks of the division, he said.
In the Union Territory of Ladakh, the Army commemorated Vijay Diwas with a solemn ceremony at the ‘Hall of Fame’ in Leh to honour the brave soldiers.
Chief of Staff, Fire and Fury Corps, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh led the tribute by laying a wreath, the spokesperson said.
He said the ceremony to pay homage to the fallen heroes was attended by military officers, junior commissioned officers and other ranks of the Fire and Fury Corps, Air Force Station, Leh, and other units.
The event concluded with a resolve to uphold the legacy of the war heroes and a commitment to protect the sovereignty of the nation, the spokesperson added.
