Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on inaugurated the “Swarnim Vijay Parv” at India Gate to commemorate 50 years of India’s historic victory in the 1971 war and the Indo-Bangladesh friendship. With the event overshadowed by the recent deaths of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel, Singh said that it would be celebrated with simplicity this year.
“After passing away of General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel, we’ve decided to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’ with simplicity. IAF’s Group Captain Varun Singh is under treatment at Command Hospital Bengaluru. We pray for his early recovery,” the Defence Minister said.
A pre-recorded video message from the late CDS was also played at the event.
The Defence Minister also inaugurated the ‘Wall of Fame’ for the 1971 India-Pakistan war and visited the military equipment display at the ceremony. “Today, I bow to the bravery, valor and sacrifice of every soldier of India’s Armed Forces, due to which India won the 1971 war. The country will always be indebted to them for their sacrifice,” he said.
Pakistan, the Defence Minister said, wanted to promote terrorism in India. “Indian Armed Forces foiled Pakistan’s plans in 1971 and now we are working towards eliminating terrorism from the root,” he said. He also lauded India’s contributions to the establishment of democracy in Bangladesh, expressing happiness that the country had “progressed on the path of development” over the last 50 years.
In a press note, the Defence Ministry had said that major weapons and equipment used during the 1971 war will be displayed along with the snippets of major battles. The event will be opened to the public after the inauguration. The closing ceremony will be held on Monday. Many dignitaries, including those from Bangladesh, will be present.
