Jammu, Dec 16: This year, the 50th Anniversary of the India Pakistan war of 1971 is celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. On 16 Dec 1971, about 93000 Pakistani Armed Soldiers surrendered to the Indian Armed Forces and this historic victory signifies unique and unparalleled feat by the Indian Armed Forces. This war was marked by the supreme sacrifice of our soldiers for the cause of liberation of the oppressed in erstwhile East Pakistan and formation of Bangladesh.
To commemorate the, ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations, Lieutenant General YK Joshi, UYSM, AVSM, VrC, SM, ADC, GOC-in-C, Northern Command dedicated the ‘Swarnim Vijay Dwar’ in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice by the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War, at a ceremony at Udhampur Military station on 16 Dec 2021.
A solemn wreath laying ceremony was also organised at the Dhurva War Memorial to commemorate the event. GOC-in-C, Northern Command presided over the event and laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks of Northern Command. GOC-in-C, also paid tribute to all the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our nation. He also highlighted the indomitable courage, unflagging zeal, dogged determination of all soldiers, who continue to inspire and strengthen our resolve to safe guard the honour and sovereignty of the country. The day was also marked by the unveiling of busts of two Para Vir Chakra and eighteen Maha Vir Chakra recipients who participated in the 1971 War. All Officers, veterans and serving soldiers with families attended the ceremony.
Additionally, the Khalra Cycling Expedition was flagged in at Udhampur by GOC-in-C, Northern Command. The expedition espoused the spirit of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. It began at Rakhmuthi Military Station on 07 Dec 2021 and in the ten intervening days witnessed a team of fourteen Soldiers covering a distance of 650 Km. The expedition was welcomed with enthusiasm all along the route, by ex-servicemen (including war heroes) civilians and serving soldiers. GOC-in-C, Northern Command congratulated the team on successful completion of the expedition.
