New Delhi, December 16 (UITV)- On this day, December 16, 1971, the Pakistani army surrendered after the valiant victory of the Indian Army, leading to the independence of Bangladesh. This historic day is an important milestone for India and Bangladesh as on this day India won against Pakistan and Bangladesh took the first step towards its independence. On this occasion, top Indian leaders like President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries paid tribute to the martyred soldiers.
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, President Draupadi Murmu wrote in a post on social media platform Twitter (formerly Twitter), “I pay tribute to our brave soldiers on Vijay Diwas who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war and secured victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our brave hearts whose stories inspire every Indian and will remain a source of national pride.” President Murmu’s message is a mark of honouring the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who led India to a decisive victory against Pakistan.
Vijay Diwas 1971, celebrated in both India and Bangladesh, commemorates the war which lasted for 13 days and in which the Indian Army won against Pakistan. This war led to the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan and established it as a sovereign nation. After the war, the surrender document was signed by Pakistan in Dhaka on 16 December, resulting in the independence of Bangladesh. Earlier, Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan, but after this war it became an independent nation.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also wrote in his message on Vijay Diwas, “On Vijay Diwas we pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 war and honour the unparalleled valour of our armed forces. Their valour and selfless sacrifice, which led to the historic victory, will continue to inspire every Indian. We will always be indebted to their service to the nation.” The Vice President’s message pays tribute to the valour and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces that helped secure Bangladesh’s independence.
On Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to India’s brave soldiers at the War Memorial in Delhi. He saluted the sacrifices of the martyrs and lauded their contribution to the defence of the country. Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to the martyred soldiers and called the victory a proud moment in Indian history. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to the martyred soldiers on the glorious occasion of Vijay Diwas. He wrote in his social media post, “On the glorious occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valour, dedication and resolve of our armed forces. The nation will always remember the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of all the heroes of the 1971 war who liberated Bangladesh from injustice while protecting India’s sovereignty.”
Apart from this, on Sunday, President Draupadi Murmu attended the ‘At-Home’ reception hosted by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at Army House. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were also present on the occasion. During this reception, the leaders paid tribute to the martyred soldiers and honoured their contribution.
During the 1971 war, 3,900 soldiers of India were martyred and 9,851 soldiers were injured. The valour of the Indian Army in this war not only led to a decisive victory against Pakistan, but it also became an example of the power, strategy and struggle of the Indian Army. This war not only strengthened the military forces of India, but it also took the Indian national pride to new heights. Remembering the sacrifice of the soldiers who were martyred in the war, the Indian government and the public celebrate Vijay Diwas every year on December 16.
This day is celebrated in both Indian and Bangladeshi countries with the honouring of the national flag and military parade. Additionally, this victory is paid tribute through the annual exchange of veterans and serving officers of the 1971 war between the two countries. This exchange between the officers and soldiers of the Indian and Bangladeshi armies reflects the strong friendship and shared history between the two countries. Because of this shared history, the relationship between India and Bangladesh still holds immense importance and the war has become a symbol of an enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Thus, the purpose of celebrating 16 December as Vijay Diwas is not only to honour the military victory of the war but also to remember the sacrifices of all the soldiers and heroes who put their lives at stake and fought for the security of the country and the independence of Bangladesh. This day symbolizes the valour, courage and resolve of the Indian Army and makes every Indian feel proud that they have such brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the country.
