Best remembered for his stand on the Indo-Pak war in 1971, he was a man of conviction. No one can forget how he stood up to Indira Gandhi (then the Prime Minister in 1971) when she had called a cabinet meeting to declare a war on Pakistan in April 1971. In front of the cabinet Sam Bahadur rebuked her giving the reason that in April with the snow melting he could not advocate that risk when even China was a threat, and stood firm. After the cabinet meeting he politely asked Mrs Gandhi “When should I send you my resignation letter?” Rest in Peace Sam Bahadur!Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is celebrated in India on 16 December to mark the Indian victory in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In Bangladesh, this is commemorated as Victory Day. In addition, Kargil Vijay Diwas, sometimes also called Vijay Diwas, is celebrated on July 26 in India with an event held in Drass, giving remembrance to the soldiers who died in the 1999 Kargil War between India And Pakistan. The Indian Armed Forces have a long tradition of valor and courage, in the face of overwhelming odds. Nowhere was this better demonstrated than in the heroic endeavors made by the Indian Armed forces in the liberation of Bangladesh, in 1971.
From the moment the operations were planned it was apparent that speed was going to be the key factor in the Operation for both political and military reasons; yet it was also clear that achieving speed and mobility was going to be the most difficult. The plan succeeded due to close cooperation among the three services and the highest standards of political and military leadership, skill and boldness in execution and consummate logistical management. While the Indian Army advanced in cooperation with freedom fighters of Bangladesh and converged on to Dhaka, the IAF within 48 hours completely pulversied the airfields achieving complete air superiority after the Naval fleet moved in to blockade the Bay of Bengal. Air Force dropping of Army personnel at Tangail and Navy Guarding the Bay of Bengal was a classic example cooperation of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The basic aim of the Western Sector was to maintain a position of offensive defence and hence did not result in a major offensive.
Operations in 1971 saw some of the greatest heroic deeds by our officers and men. As many as four Param Vir Chakras were awarded during the operations which stands testimony to the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, we salute our brethren who have laid down lives in the service of the nation.
Tomorrow as we celebrate the 37th Anniversary, we salute our officers and men who maintain eternal vigil along the vast international borders encompassing some of the most inhospitable terrains in the world to preserve the integrity of our country.
VIJAY DIWAS
No comments:
Post a Comment