Pune, 1 October 2021
As an honour to the glorious victory in Indo-Pak War 1971 and creation of Bangladesh, the entire Nation is celebrating year 2021 as the Swarnim Vijay Varsh. The fervour began on 16 December 2020 with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi offering the tributes to the valiant soldiers at National War Memorial and set out the four Victory Flames in four cardinal directions.
The Western Flame after traversing the districts, towns and cities across the Southern Command area of responsibility today reached Pune. The Flame received a grand reception at the gateway of Pune, Katraj. The Flame was then led by enthusiastic bike riders to Council Hall and later to the War Memorial.
A grand ceremony was organised at Southern Command War Memorial to receive and honour the flame. Lieutenant General JS Nain, GOC-in-C Southern Army Command received the Victory Flame carried by eminent personalities and senior veterans in last mile run upto the War Memorial. The General in his address recapitulated the efforts of soldiers during 1971 War which led to the decisive victory and surrender of 93,000 Pak soldiers, a feat second to none in the history of warfare. The General also mentioned the invaluable contribution by ‘Mukti Jodhas’ of Bangladesh towards achieving this victory. The event was attended by Mr Lutfor Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh.
The event was also graced by Veer Naris, Senior Veteran Officers and War Veterans of 1971 War. The Army Commander felicitated the Veterans and Veer Naris and expressed his solidarity & gratitude to them. In a month long celebrations planned during the stay of Victory Flame at Pune, the ‘Vijay Mashal’ will be displayed at significant locations across Pune to including Southern Command War Memorial, INS Shivaji Lonavla, Pune University, Shaniwar Wada, Fergusson College, Shivaji Nagar Police parade ground. An air show is planned at RWITC on 09 October 21. This will resume its onwards journey to Nasik on 31 October 2021.
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PRO (Defence), Pune-M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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