Sonia Gandhi greets Bangladesh on 50th anniversary of liberation war
By: Pallab Ghosh
Radiance News Service
AICC organised an evening to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The event that took place at the Jawahar Bhawan was attended by Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, 1971 war veterans apart from eminent dignitaries across all walks of life. Lt General ARK Reddy, Vice Admiral SK Bhasin, and Vice Marshal Kapil Kak shared their memories of the 1971 liberation war.
Patriotic songs from Hindi films were played in the background.
The evening rolled with the playing of a 15-minute film on how the formation of Bangladesh. The film contained rare footage of then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who took the initiative to help liberate Bangladesh from East Pakistan. The film also featured rare footage of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman inspiring fellow countrymen to raise their voices and join the Mukti Bahini.
The men in the armed forces who served during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War shared their experiences that churned nostalgia among all present in the auditorium.
Then Lt General ARK Reddy said, "Today, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War. Many moments are rushing to my mind. We were fortunate to work under the leadership of Late Indira Gandhi". General Reddy also recalled the contribution of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and paid his tributes.
Speaking on this occasion, Vice Admiral SK Bhasin said, "We had destroyed Gazi off Vishakhapattanam. Indian Navy played a very important role in destroying Pakistani targets and I am happy to say that we had late Indira Gandhi as our leader who had a clear vision as to what should be done". He paid his respects to those who were martyred during the war.
Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak recalled the testing moments the Indian Air Force faced during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He remembered his colleagues who had played important role in the attacks. "We ensured that Pakistani targets are destroyed. It was our major achievement and I feel the credit goes to Indian Mimilary who together had carried the operations. I cannot forget the contribution of Chief Marshall PC Lal", added Air Vice Marshal Kak.
Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi recalled the contributions of Indira Gandhi. She said, "All those countries that stood beside Bangladesh during the 1971 liberation war must be recalled in appreciation. Also the sacrifices and valor or Indian armed forces must be remembered and respected". Sonia Gandhi congratulated Bangladesh on its 50th year of the Liberation War. "Indira Gandhi's contribution in the formation of Bangladesh cannot be forgotten. She showed exemplary courage and boldness in helping Bangladesh to get liberated from East Pakistan" added Sonia Gandhi.
She also remembered the contributions of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Admiral SM Nanda, and Chief Marshall PC Lal in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.