New Delhi:President Droupadi Murmu led the nation is paying homage to the heroes of 1971 war on the occasion of Vijay Diwas on Monday, remembering their ultimate sacrifice as a source of inspiration and national pride. The Vijay Diwas celebration comes amid strains between Bangladesh and India since the ouster of ex-premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League regime in a student-led uprising on August 5.
"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," Murmu said in a post on X.
Paying his tribute, vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar said the country will forever remain indebted to the brave soldiers.
"On Vijay Diwas, we pay homage to the martyrs of the 1971 war and honour the unmatched gallantry of our armed forces. Their heroic valour and selfless sacrifices, which led to a historic triumph, continue to inspire every Indian. We remain forever indebted to their service to the nation," Dhankhar wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined in offering respect to the heroes of 1971 India-Pakistan War on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas'.
In a message on X, PM Modi wrote, “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.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, the Union Minister outlined that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism.
"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," the post read.
Vijay Diwas commemorates the Pakistan military's surrender to Indian forces during the war which Bangladesh terms as their Liberation War. India's historic victory led to the liberation of Bangladesh. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 were injured during the war of 1971.
The Indian Army also highlighted the VP and Raksha Mantri interacting with various veterans, diplomatic fraternity, sportspersons and many others. "The reception provided an opportunity to the Hon'ble President, Vice President and Raksha Mantri to interact with #Veterans, #Veernaris, Diplomatic fraternity, Sportspersons, eminent personalities, Asha School Children and achievers from different walks of life," the post read.
With the surrender of over 93,000 soldiers, the Pakistan Army's capitulation against Indian forces was complete. Following this decisive victory, India announced itself as a major regional force. For India, this battle is considered a historical occurrence. Because of this, December 16 is commemorated nationwide as "Vijay Diwas" to honour India's triumph over Pakistan. According to reports, 3,900 Indian soldiers are believed to have died and 9,851 have been injured during the Battle of 1971.
The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with Lt Gen AAK Niazi's unconditional surrender, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through a coordinated military effort, wherein the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in ensuring quick and decisive results in the 13-day conflict, aptly termed a "Lightning War," the IAF's post read.
