Vijay Diwas: The Gallantry Saga of the Indian Army

At Pen: Rajanya Rai Chakraborty

Vijay Diwas: The Gallantry Saga of the Indian Army

"I salute the bravery, courage and valour of Indian soldiers on Vijay Diwas. The history that was made by our armed forces on this day in 1971 will always be engraved in the golden letters."

-Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Since the partition, there were four decisive war between India and Pakistan, in 1947 known as the first Kashmir war, in 1965 the operation ‘Gibralter’, in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the Kargil War in 1999. Before 1971, Bangladesh was an integrated part of Pakistan. At that time it was known as ‘East Pakistan’. The Pakistani Army would beat, exploit, rape and murder the common people of ‘East Pakistan’. Under these Barbaric conditions, the people started revolting. On 26th March, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the Freedom of East Pakistan. Hordes of people were migrating to India leading to a socio-economic crisis. India then decides to aid the Mukti Bahini. On 3rd December 1971, Pakistan attacked India from the western front. The balance of power immediately shifted towards India when the Indian army, navy and the Indian Air Force unified and efficiently attacked Pakistan. Within 13 days ‘East Pakistan’ got freedom and was named Bangladesh. This war ended with the humiliating surrender of the Pakistani Army headed by Lieutenant General A.A.Khan Niazi.

This year we are celebrating the 49th Vijay Diwas on 16th December to commemorate the Indian military’s victory over Pakistan in the Bangladesh liberation War of 1971. The anniversary of Vijay Diwas is observed across India. People pay their tribute and respect to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. The three chiefs of the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces and the Defense Minister of India pay their homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi as well as in the National Military Memorial in Bangalore. Vijay Diwas is just not a mere date but an oath to the citizens to remember the soilders sacrifice for the nation.

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