Our homes are where we feel protected. And this happens because of those Bravehearts who stand at the borders. The heroes of the Indian Armed Forces have sacrificed many days of their lives to assure we feel safe at our homes. And when we turn the pages of history, the day of December 16 looks engraved in golden words as “Vijay Diwas”. The Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, which happened on 16 December was one of the most convincing victories of military history. A group of brave people who did not only protected their nation but also gave rise to a new nation, a liberated country, that is the example of the heroism of the Indian Army.

16th December is one of the most significant dates in the spectacular history of India. It was on this day in 1971, the Chief of the Pakistani Force, General A. A. Khan Niazi, along with 93 thousand soldiers surrendered unconditionally to the allied forces consisting of the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh. The end of this grand war also resulted in the subsequent beginning of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. Before 1971, Bangladesh was a part of East Pakistan, and it is believed that the people of this region were exploited, beaten, raped and murdered by the Pakistani Army. India took a strong stand against this oppression and a huge dissatisfaction emerged against the military ruler of Pakistan, General Ayub Khan, in East Pakistan. Ultimately, on December 3, 1971, the Indian government ordered the Indian Army to announce war against Pakistan to protect people of East Pakistan. This war was fought under the leadership of Field Marshal Manekshaw and about 1500 Indian soldiers were martyred during this war. And on 16 December 1971, about 93,000 Pakistani soldiers lost the war and surrendered before the Indian Army's Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora in Dhaka. Due to this war, Bangladesh emerged on the world map with India's victory in the 1971 war.

Pakistani Forces surrendered to India and the territory of Bangladesh was created, also marking the end of Bangladesh Liberation War. Since then, India and Bangladesh celebrate Vijay Diwas also known as Victory Day, every year on 16 December, to mark both the nations' military win over Pakistan. In Kolkata, a remarkable ceremony is held every year at “Vijay Smarak” at Fort William, the Headquarters of Eastern Command to mark this great day. It is a landmark event in the history of India, as it was a notable example of people's aspirations supported by a military action that resulted in the birth of a new country, Bangladesh. During this period several events were held to celebrate the epic victory of the Indian Army. From 16 December 1971, every year, citizens, army officials, students and war veterans remember the sacrifices of the soldiers. In the nation's capital New Delhi, the Indian Minister of Defence and heads all three wings of the Indian armed forces and pay homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi, and the National Military Memorial, Banglore. Vijay Diwas is similarly observed across the entire nation by paying tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the county.

Vijay Diwas is a special day for remembrance of brave soldiers of India and Mukti Bahini of Bangladesh, who sacrificed their lives for a noble cause and similarly a day for taking the pledge to save our India from any possible attack of enemies. India is the largest democracy of the world, and thus, it confronted a lot of international pressure during this war, but it still stood against the dictatorship of Pakistani Military. The surrender event of Pakistani troops was one of the largest surrender by an army since World War II. This win of India was not merely a military war but a war of ideologies and the Vijay Diwas is the perfect time to give gratitude to those who fought bravely and sacrificed everything against the coercion and gave the gift of freedom to the oppressed people.

_________________________________

Reference:

• www.mapsofindia.com
• www.pmindia.gov.in
• www.wikipedia.com