PM REMEMBERS SOLDIERS’ SACRIFICES IN 1971 WAR

On the occasion of the 50th Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday signed the visitors’ book at the National War Memorial and wrote that the nation’s citizens are proud of the brave warriors who wrote unparalleled tales of valour.

The Prime Minister participated in the homage and reception ceremony of “Swarnim Vijay Mashaals” and laid a wreath at the National War Memorial here. “On behalf of the entire nation, I salute the warriors of the 1971 war. The citizens are proud of the brave warriors who wrote unparalleled tales of valour,” he wrote in the visitors’ book.

“The country remembers the sacrifices of the soldiers who lost their lives in this war. The country will always remain indebted to soldiers for their supreme sacrifice. Their loyalty, sacrifice and dedication will keep inspiring the generations to come,” he added. He was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Swarnim Vijay Varsh commemorates 50 years of India’s victory in the 1971 war and the formation of Bangladesh.

Last year on 16 December, Prime Minister Modi lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. He also lit four flames that were to traverse along with different directions. Since then, these four flames have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including to Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch, Agartala.

The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of the 1971 war. Today, during the Homage Ceremony, these four flames were merged by the Prime Minister with the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Swarnim Vijay Diwas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday remembered the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces during the 1971 war and called it a “golden chapter in India’s military history”.

Taking to Twitter, the Defence Minister said, “On the occasion of ‘Swarnim Vijay Diwas’ we remember the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces during the 1971 war. The 1971 war is the golden chapter in India’s military history. We are proud of our armed forces and their achievements.” He also shared a picture of “Instrument of Surrender” and said, “This day, that year!” Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a commemorative stamp on the occasion.