Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16th (16/12) annually in India. It represents the historic victory of India over Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. This day is seen as a representation of bravery, valour, sacrifice, and national pride.
On this day, we remember the bravery and gallantry demonstrated by all Indian Armed Forces personnel, who contributed to the creation of a free Bangladesh. The Indian Armed Forces displayed great bravery, valor, and sacrifice in the defence of their homeland, India.
The significance of Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is immense.
The great victory of India over Pakistan, in the war of December 1971 spans the shortest yet most decisive period of war; only 13 days occurred before the surrender of Pakistani Military to the Armed Forces of India on 16th December 1971 at Dhaka. Approximately 93000 soldiers who made up Pakistan’s Armed Forces surrendered. This was the largest military surrender since the conclusion of World War II.
The Indian victory was a military victory, but also, more than just a military success, it represented a humanitarian undertaking as millions of refugees fled East-Pakistan into India as a result of violence, India acted for the purpose of protecting the right to human life and restoring peace.
Importance of Indian Armed Forces
The success of the war was achieved through the cooperation between the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The Soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated remarkable courage in fighting against extreme weather conditions and obstacles to their efforts during combat operations, and many of them made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was one of the principal leaders that planned and executed the military strategies and operations, and his leadership, self-confidence, and commitment to duty motivated all levels of the armed services.
Bangladesh’s Birth
Bangladesh became its own nation, in what was one of the most positive outcomes from the war. After struggling and experiencing injustice for many years, the East Pakistanis were afforded freedom. The creation of Bangladesh was made possible primarily through the support of the Indian government during this period in history.
Vijay Diwas has since come to represent friendship and shared history between India and Bangladesh.
Observance of Vijay Diwas
The observance of Vijay Diwas is a day at the national level when the country remembers its fallen soldiers. Various ceremonies throughout India occur each year. Senior Military Officers, the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister lay wreaths at War Memorials across India to honour our martyrs.
Additional activities are planned at the National War Memorial located in New Delhi. Schools, Colleges and other places of Employment remember this day in a variety of ways, such as through speeches, formal programmes to honor those who fought, discussions on patriotism, etc.
A Lesson for Today
Vijay Diwas has taught us how important it is to stand united – to have strength – to support each other in times of struggle to create a peaceful life that can allow us the freedom and security of survival today.
As citizens, we operate under the obligation to respect our armed forces. We remember their sacrifice. The lessons that are learned on this day are not only remembered, but act as reminders of how strong and resilient we are as a country.
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