Saturday, December 16, 2023
Vijay Diwas:
Vijay Diwas, meaning "Victory Day" in Hindi, is observed in India on December 16th each year. It commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The war, also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War, resulted in the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh.
Why India celebrateVijay Diwas?
Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 every year in India to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war officially began on December 3 and lasted for 13 days, ending on December 16, which is celebrated as Vijay Diwas in India ever since. The day is observed to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for the country’s freedom and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
On this day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, and Indian Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to honor the martyrs.
Key events related to Vijay Diwas and the 1971 Indo-Pak War include:
1. Background:
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a direct consequence of the Bangladesh Liberation movement. The political and ethnic tensions between West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) led to widespread human rights violations.
2. Outbreak of War:
The conflict began on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched preemptive air strikes on Indian airbases. In response, India entered the war, supporting the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) in East Pakistan.
3. Swift Military Campaign:
The Indian Armed Forces, under the leadership of General Sam Manekshaw, executed a swift and successful military campaign. The war lasted for 13 days, making it one of the shortest wars in history.
4. Surrender of Pakistani Forces:
The turning point of the war occurred on December 16, 1971, when Pakistani forces in East Pakistan, surrounded and outnumbered, unconditionally surrendered to the joint Indian and Mukti Bahini forces.
5. Creation of Bangladesh:
The surrender marked the birth of the independent nation of Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas celebrates this historic victory and the successful liberation of Bangladesh.
6. Honoring the Armed Forces:
Vijay Diwas is a day to honor and pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and valor of the Indian Armed Forces personnel who participated in the war.
7. National Celebrations:
On Vijay Diwas, the President, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries pay homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Ceremonies and events take place across the country to commemorate the victory.
8. Bangladesh's Independence Day:
December 16 is also celebrated as Bangladesh's Independence Day to mark the victory and the country's emergence as an independent nation.
Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the historic significance of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the triumph of justice and freedom. It honors the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence and celebrates the spirit of unity and courage displayed during the conflict.