50th Anniversary Of 1971 India-Pak War: Prez Kovind, PM Modi And Others Pay Tribute To Martyrs

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the fallen soldiers on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

President Kovind recalled the valour of Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 war and said the nation is eternally indebted to them.

On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valour of our soldiers that affirmed our nation's unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them," Kovind tweeted.

On Vijay Diwas, let us recall the valour of our soldiers that affirmed our nation’s unwavering commitment to defend our sovereignty and protect human dignity. Their martyrdom in 1971 war had shown unparalleled grit & prowess of our forces. The nation is eternally indebted to them

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2020

Prime Minister Modi also lit the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial here, marking the beginning of the 50th anniversary year celebrations of India's victory over Pakistan in 1971.

Modi was joined by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the chief of defence staff and tri-service chiefs as he laid wreath and paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

On Vijay Diwas we recall the unwavering courage of our armed forces that resulted in a decisive victory for our nation in the 1971 war. On this special Vijay Diwas, had the honour of lighting the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ at the National War Memorial. pic.twitter.com/ERHoWF6GxF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2020

Four victory mashaals (flaming torches) will be carried to various parts of India, including to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of the 1971 war, the defence ministry has said.

"Soil from the villages of these awardees and from areas where major battles were fought in 1971 are being brought to the National War Memorial (NWM)," it said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was also present at the venue, unveiled the logo for 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' to mark the anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

In a tweet, Rajnath Singh said, "I salute the tradition of valor and valor of the Indian Army. I remember the bravery of the brave soldiers who wrote a new legend in the 1971 war. Their sacrifice is a source of inspiration for all Indians. This country will always remember them."

आज विजय दिवस के अवसर मैं भारतीय सेना के शौर्य एवं पराक्रम की परम्परा को नमन करता हूँ। मैं स्मरण करता हूँ उन जाँबाज़ सैनिकों की बहादुरी को जिन्होंने १९७१ के युद्ध में एक नई शौर्यगाथा लिखी। उनका त्याग और बलिदान सभी भारतीयों के लिए प्रेरणा का स्रोत है। यह देश उन्हें हमेशा याद रखेगा।

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 16, 2020

1971 में आज ही के दिन भारतीय सेना ने अपने अदम्य साहस और पराक्रम से मानवीय स्वतंत्रता के सार्वभौमिक मूल्यों की रक्षा करते हुए विश्व मानचित्र पर एक ऐतिहासिक बदलाव किया।

इतिहास में स्वर्ण अक्षरों से अंकित यह शौर्यगाथा हर भारतीय को गौरवान्वित करती रहेगी।

विजय दिवस की शुभकामनाएं। pic.twitter.com/8mMdDn4Nse

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 16, 2020

As we celebrate Vijay Divas today, I join the nation in paying homage to the martyrs of 1971 war. Their valour and courage wrote a glorious chapter in Indian history and continues to inspire every Indian. #VijayDivas

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) December 16, 2020

‘विजय दिवस’ की सभी को शुभकामनाएं।
16 दिसंबर 1971 का दिन भारत के इतिहास में वो गौरवशाली क्षण था जब हमारे वीर सैनिकों ने अपने शौर्य, पराक्रम और बलिदान से एक नई गाथा लिखी थी।1971 के युद्ध में मातृभूमि के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पण करने वाले वीर सपूतों को कोटि-कोटि नमन।#VijayDiwaspic.twitter.com/P1d76HJEPC

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 16, 2020

In 1971 Indo-Pak war, our soldiers fought with great courage by forcing the #Pakistan army to surrender and also liberated Bangladesh.
On #VijayDiwas, @PandaJay pays heartfelt tributes to our martyrs 🙏🙏
Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/IeWSHYihOb

— Office of Jay Panda (@mp_office) December 16, 2020

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also greeted people on the anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, noting it took place at a time when neighbouring countries used to recognise the mettle of the Indian prime minister and feared violating our borders.

"Greetings to people of the country on the celebration of India's historic victory over Pakistan in 1971 and salutations to the valour of our armed forces," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

"It took place at a time when India's neighbouring countries used to recognise the mettle of the Indian prime minister and feared violating the borders of our country," he said.

सन् ‘71 में भारत की पाकिस्तान पर ऐतिहासिक जीत के उत्सव पर देशवासियों को शुभकामनाएँ और सेना के शौर्य को नमन।

ये उस समय की बात है जब भारत के पड़ोसी देश भारत के प्रधानमंत्री का लोहा मानते थे और हमारे देश की सीमा का उल्लंघन करने से डरते थे!#VijayDiwas

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 16, 2020

In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic Victory over the Pakistan Army, which led to creation of a Nation -- Bangladesh -- and also resulted in the largest military Surrender after World War-II.

As December 16 marks the 50th anniversary of the military victory, the nation will celebrate 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' (golden victory year) through several events across the country, and it will continue for a year.

Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war veterans will be felicitated, the statement said, adding that band displays, seminars, exhibitions, equipment displays, film festivals, conclaves and adventure activities will also be held.

(With Agency Inputs)