PM Modi lights Swarnim Mashaal in a solemn ceremony, remembers the warriors of 1971 war

 

As part of the mega celebrations marking December 16 -Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the warriors of 1971 war at a solemn ceremony and lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal in the capital today. ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ also commemorates 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971.

Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“On the 50th Vijay Diwas, I recall the great valour and sacrifice by the Muktijoddhas, Biranganas and bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we fought and defeated oppressive forces,” the Prime Minister tweeted in the morning.

December 16 is celebrated with equal fervour in India and Bangladesh. The day, which is celebrated in India to mark its victory over Pakistani forces, for Bangladesh, it is the independence day.

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind, who is in Bangladesh attended the Victory Day Parade in Dhaka to mark the South Asian country’s 50 years of independence. A 122 member tri services contingent from India too participated in the celebrations at Dhaka’s National Parade Ground.

Last year, on the same day Modi had lit the ‘Mashaal’ from the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. According to a government statement the Prime Minister had also lit four flames that were to traverse along different directions. “Since then, these four flames have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including to Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch, Agartala etc. The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of 1971 war," the statement read.

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