13 Days, 93,000 Surrenders: Vijay Diwas Marks Decisive 1971 Triumph
Kolkata: Wreath laying ceremonies, remembrance speeches and felicitation of battle-scarred veterans on Tuesday marked Vijay Diwas – the day the country’s armed forces defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war that also led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh. The highlight of the day was the participation of Muktijoddhas – the liberation war heroes from Bangladesh – at a programme in the Eastern Command Headquarters in Kolkata.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to the bravehearts whose valour and supreme sacrifices 54 years back forced the Pakistani troops to surrender.
In a post on X, Murmu paid tributes to the “brave sons of Mother India”.
“Their courage, valour and unparalleled devotion to the motherland have always filled the nation with pride. Their heroism and patriotism will continue to inspire the people of the country, ” she said.
On the occasion, the President inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, the highest gallantry honour. She also felicitated PVC awardees and their next-of-kin.
Taking to his social media handle, Radhakrishnan said the 1971 war reaffirmed India’s commitment to justice and freedom and showcased the unmatched professionalism of the three Services.
PM Modi remembered the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. “Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians,” he wrote in a post on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “… the nation bows in pride and gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces who delivered the decisive victory”. He mentioned that the Army, Navy, and Air Force operated in flawless coordination, reshaping history and asserting India’s strategic resolve.
Home Minister Amit Shah said the country’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war served as a shield against injustice and oppression, setting a shining example of protecting humanity worldwide.
In a solemn ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and other top officers of the three armed forces laid wreaths at the National War Memorial and paid tributes to the fallen heroes.
Dubbing Vijay Diwas a landmark triumph that reshaped India’s military history, redrew the map of South Asia and gave birth to a new nation – Bangladesh, the Indian Army in a post titled ‘VijayDiwas: The Eternal Story of the 1971 War’ on X, said “It was a victory where the Mukti Bahini (comprising the Muktijoddhas) and the Indian Arme’d Forces fought shoulder-to-shoulder, together giving the Bangladesh Liberation struggle its decisive thrust toward freedom.
“In just 13 days, the Indian Armed Forces displayed extraordinary courage, unshakable resolve and exceptional military skill, culminating in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers – one of the largest military surrenders in global history.”
In Kolkata, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose hailed the Indian Armed Forces duirng a Military programme at Vijay Durg (Fort William), in the presence of a team of 20 muktijoddhas, who had come to the city from Bangladesh.
The ceremony was imbued with reverence and gratitude, serving as a poignant reminder of the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces, and the enduring bonds of friendship forged between India and Bangladesh through shared sacrifice.
The august gathering witnessed the presence of 1971 War veterans, gallantry awardees, serving personnel of the Indian Armed Forces. Brigadier General Md Lutfor Rahman, represented the Bangladesh military delegation.
In a social media post, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi highlighted the courage of the armed forces and remembered the decisive role played under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, his grandmother.
He said, “Their indomitable courage, struggle, and supreme sacrifice will forever remain an inspiration for every Indian.”
Rahul Gandhi also posted pictures of the late Prime Minister shaking hands with the three service chiefs in 1971 and a picture of the surrender ceremony at Dhaka,
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the occasion unveiled a 108 feet high mast National Flag at Kachrial in Akhnoor of Jammu and said the Tricolour symbolises India’s freedom, self-respect, and the people’s sacrifices and martyrdom. The day was also celebrated in India’s North Eastern states. In the Mizoram capital Aizawl, a solemn ceremony was held at the War Memorial, under the leadership of Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The Chief Minister led the observance by laying a wreath at the memorial in honour of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.
