India and Bangladesh commemorated the 53rd anniversary of the Vijay Diwas jointly on Monday (December 16). Vijay Diwas is celebrated, marking the day when India attained a decisive victory over Pakistan in 1971, resulting in the liberation of Bangladesh.
The Diwas is annually observed with the exchange of greetings between war veterans and serving officers. This historic victory not only secured India’s victory over Pakistan but also paved the way for the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
India’s role encompassed military intervention, training of the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters), and direct support, culminating in the surrender of the Pakistan army.
Vijay Diwas Celebrations
The Diwas is celebrated on December 16 throughout the nation, celebrating India’s victory in the 13-day war. The war culminated with Pakistan signing the instrument of surrender in Dhaka, followed by liberation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
Eight Indian war veterans, along with two serving officers, arrived in Dhaka to participate in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations.
Similarly, eight freedom fighters and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces reached India to celebrate Vijay Diwas in Kolkata, according to the Indian Army.
Officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with their Bangladesh counterparts participated in the Vijay Diwas celebrations, paying their respects at the Vijay Smarak, Army Headquarters Eastern Command, in West Bengal’s Kolkata.
The Eastern Command’s Vijay Diwas celebrations are touted among one of the largest military events in South Asia.
Officers of the Indian Army laid a wreath at Shaheed Smarak, Colaba Military Station, in Mumbai and a similar wreath-laying ceremony was held in Chennai.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, along with Sunita Dwivedi installed the ‘Iconic 1971 surrender painting’ at the Manekshaw Centre, named after the Architect of 1971 War, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in New Delhi. In a post on X, the Indian Army, cited the painting as a testament to one of the greatest military victories of Indian Armed Forces and the commitment of India for justice and humanity.
The painting captures the moment when Pakistan’s General AAK Niazi signed the surrender document, leading 90,000 Pakistani soldiers to lay down their arms.
Image source: Indian Army
“At-home reception” event
On the eve of Vijay Diwas on Sunday (December 15) , Army Staff General Dwivedi hosted an ‘At-home’ reception at Army House. President Droupadi Murmu, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, along with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
The President, Vice President, and Defence Minister interacted with veterans, students from Asha schools, diplomats, sportspersons, and representatives from various fields. The event also provided a platform for the Tribal community to showcase their cultural talents.
Homage by leaders
President Murmu, in a post on the X (formerly Twitter), expressed gratitude, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of the brave hearts. She called it a source of pride by the soldiers, who displayed indomitable courage during the war. She wrote, “On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to our valiant soldiers who displayed indomitable courage during the 1971 war, securing victory for India. A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our bravehearts whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national pride.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute, acknowledging their dedication, “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. 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 further acknowledged their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated the armed forces’ unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. In his post, he wrote, “Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service.”
He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi on the occasion.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi paid homage to the brave soldiers, highlighting the leadership of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister during the war. She further urged the government to raise its voice against the atrocities committed against the Hindu and Christian minorities in Bangladesh.
