Vijay Diwas: A Heartfelt Tribute To ‘Mukti Joddhas’ And Indian Army War Heroes

The Indian Army commemorated 52 years of India's historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. On this occasion, the Eastern Command, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. R.P. Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, paid a heartfelt tribute to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war heroes and martyrs during a wreath-laying ceremony at 'Vijay Smarak', situated in Fort William, Kolkata.

Major Chandni Mishra of Army Air Defence, who is playing an important role in managing the Vijay Diwas celebrations here at Fort William stated that the Governor of West Bengal, Dr C.V. Ananda Bose, will be meeting the 'Mukti Joddhas' and Indian Army 1971 war veterans and gallantry awardees at the Raj Bhawan. All invitees will later be attending a gala cultural event, at the Victoria Memorial, which is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

The wreath-laying ceremony is part of the on-going, 4-day, grand event being organised to commemorate the glorious heritage of the Indian Army and its spectacular victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

In addition to the recipients of Indian Army Gallantry awards like Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, which are awarded for conspicuous acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, senior veterans, Indian military top brass, 'Mukti Joddhas' and recipients of Bangladesh military decorations such as 'Bir Protik' have been invited as delegates.

Significance of India's Victory in 1971 War

The Indian Army etched its name in golden letters in world military history with a decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. More than 93000 Pakistan Army personnel laid down their arms, making it the largest military surrender after WWII and led to the creation of a new nation now known as Bangladesh.

Contribution of Mukti Bahini in 1971 War

Members of the Mukti Bahini known as 'Mukti Joddha' fought dedicatedly alongside the Indian Army as a fearless guerrilla force during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Indian Army recognises their timeless contribution to its victory.

Events such as this, organised to commemorate the Vijay Diwas, go a long way in strengthening the people-to-people exchange and written-in-blood bond that India and Bangladesh have because of their shared history.