The 53rd Vijay Diwas celebrations commenced in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a dignified 31-gun salute at sunrise, paying homage to the sacrifices made during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Conducted by six guns from an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army, the ceremony honored those who lost their lives in the war that resulted in Bangladesh’s independence.
Vijay Diwas, observed annually on December 16, marks India’s victory over Pakistan in a 13-day war, culminating in the creation of Bangladesh. It commemorates the historic surrender of Pakistan’s Armed Forces Chief, General Amir Abdullah Niazi, along with 93,000 soldiers in Dhaka, effectively ending the conflict.
This year, India and Bangladesh jointly celebrate the event with cross-border participation. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers have attended the Dhaka celebrations, while eight Bangladeshi Muktijoddhas and two Bangladesh Armed Forces officers traveled to Kolkata to join the observance.
On the eve of Vijay Diwas, a reception was hosted by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at Army House, attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. The event provided a platform for interactions between dignitaries, veterans, diplomatic officials, sports personalities, and children from the Asha School.
The 1971 war, a pivotal moment for both nations, saw India losing 3,900 soldiers with 9,851 injured. The reception also acknowledged the contributions of the tribal community and honored the Veernaris, the widows of fallen soldiers, for their sacrifices.
This reflection on Vijay Diwas highlights the profound impact and shared history stemming from a conflict that reshaped South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, underlining the enduring respect and recognition for those who fought for liberation.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/vijay-diwas-celebrations-begin-in-dhaka-with-31-gun-salute-1138386-2024-12-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-12-16 11:39:00
