Leaders extend wishes on Vijay Diwas

Leaders extended wishes on Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 every year to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in 1971.

New Delhi:Leaders on Wednesday extended their wishes to countrymen on the occasion of the Vijay Diwas, a historic day that made Bangladesh an independent country. The Ministers saluted the bravery and courage of the Indian Army.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country will always remember the brave soldiers who wrote a new saga of bravery in the 1971 war.

"Today, on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, I salute the valour and bravery of the Indian Army. I remember the bravery of the brave soldiers who wrote a new saga of bravery in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. Nation will always revere them," Singh tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the logo for 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' to mark the 50th-anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war on Wednesday.

The Home Minister said that the Indian Army made a historic change on the world map on this day.

"On this day in 1971, the Indian Army, with its indomitable courage and valour, made a historic change on the world map, protecting the universal values of human freedom. This mark with golden letters in history will continue to make every Indian proud. Happy Vijay Diwas," Shah said in a tweet (roughly translated from Hindi).

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda, extending his wishes on Vijay Diwas, tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi): "Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the 'Vijay Diwas', a symbol of valour and bravery shown to Pakistan in the 1971 war of the Indian Army. Salute to the national guards who have sacrificed their lives in defence of Mother India."

"Greetings to people of the country on the celebration of India's historic victory over Pakistan in 1971 and salutations to the valour of our armed forces," Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"It took place at a time when India's neighbouring countries used to recognise the mettle of the Indian prime minister and feared violating the borders of our country," he said.

In an official release on Tuesday, Defence Ministry said, "In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic Victory over Pakistan Army, which led to the creation of a Nation - Bangladesh and also resulted in the largest Military Surrender after the World War - II. From 16 December, the Nation will be celebrating 50 Years of India-Pak War, also called 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh'. Various commemorative events are planned across the Nation."

Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war 'Veterans and Veer Naris' will be felicitated and events like band displays, seminars, exhibitions, equipment displays, film festivals, conclave and adventure activities are planned.

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to mark India's triumph in liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971.

In one of the fastest and shortest campaigns of military history, a new nation was born as a result of the swift campaign undertaken by the Indian Army.

After facing defeat in the 1971 war, the then Army Chief of Pakistan General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with his 93,000 troops, surrendered to allied forces which also comprised of Indian Army personnel.

(ANI)