Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 'Swarnim Vijay Parv' at India Gate
By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service
Radiance News Service
Like each year this year too India is celebrating the 'Swarnim Vijay Parv' which was known as Vijay Diwas earlier to commemorate 50 years of India's victory in the 1971 war and the Indo-Bangladesh friendship. The then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi had taken a quick decision to help Bangladesh in its struggle for independence by initiating armed action against Pakistan. Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared East Pakistan's independence as the state of Bangladesh on 26 March 1971. Since then December 16th is celebrated as 'Vijay Parv' or 'Vijay Diwas'.
The two-day event was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at India Gate, New Delhi. Major weapons and equipment used during the 1971 war have been displayed along with the snippets of major battles.
Speaking on this occasion Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered India's contribution in establishing the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh.
Rajnath Singh said there were plans to celebrate the event in a big way but due to the untimely demise of the country's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, it has been kept simple.
India is hosting a delegation of 30 former 'Mukti Jodhas' (Armymen who fought for Bangladesh's independence in 1971) ahead of the Vijay Parv celebrations on December 16.
The closing ceremony will be held on December 13, 2021, which will be attended by Rajnath Singh. Eminent dignitaries, including those from Bangladesh, will be present.