Quite disappointing
‘Sacrifice forever etched in our hearts’: PM Modi, leaders across parties pay tributes on Vijay Diwas
Leaders across the political lines paid tributes to the soldiers who fought in the 1971 war, on the occasion of 52nd Vijay Diwas on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, among others, honoured the jawans, saying “their sacrifices will forever be etched in our hearts.”
On December 16, 1971, approximately 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the combined forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.
“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people’s hearts and our nation’s history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit,” the PM wrote in a post on X.
On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2022
Celebrating India’s triumph over Pakistan, the Defence Minister wrote: “On the special occasion of ‘Vijay Diwas’, the nation salutes the indomitable courage and valor displayed by India’s armed forces during the 1971 war. We are proud of our Armed Forces who have fearlessly protected our country in every circumstance. Their sacrifice and service will forever be etched in our hearts.”
“I bow to the brave hearts of our armed forces on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. On this day our soldiers won a glorious victory against Pakistani forces in 1971 and secured the dignity of life, women and human values, as a consequence of which a new nation Bangladesh was formed,” wrote Amit Shah on X.
I bow to the brave hearts of our armed forces on the occasion of Vijay Diwas.
On this day our soldiers won a glorious victory against Pakistani forces in 1971 and secured the dignity of life, women and human values, as a consequence of which a new nation Bangladesh was formed.…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 16, 2023
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, too, lauded the “brave soldiers” saying “We bow to the indomitable courage, valour and determination of our Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini.”
The geography of the world changed today in 1971, as our brave Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan and Liberated Bangladesh.
It was a momentous occasion for humanity, under the dynamic and decisive leadership of Smt. Indira Gandhi.
We bow to the indomitable courage, valour… pic.twitter.com/idn87T08rv
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 16, 2023
Meanwhile, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik saluted “the unwavering spirit of the Indian armed forces.” “Their courage, selflessness and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations”, he added.
The Army’s Eastern Command in Kolkata on Friday organized a special programme, that was attended by delegates from Bangladesh as part of Vijay Diwas celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief of the Eastern Command said that the “emotional connect” between India and Bangladesh “binds the two countries together.” Several other war veterans shared anecdotes and stories of valour during the programme.
Express Web Desk – 2023-12-16 10:38