President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the nation remembers with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by the country's armed forces during the 1971 war, and stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice continue to inspire every Indian. Vijay Diwas commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. Bangladesh, then part of Pakistan, became an independent country after the war.
"On Vijay Diwas, we remember with gratitude the exceptional valour displayed by our armed forces during the 1971 war. Stories of their unparalleled courage and sacrifice for the nation continue to inspire every Indian," Murmu tweeted.
PM Narendra Modi also took to Twitter and paid homage to the armed forces personnel 'who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war.' "On Vijay Diwas, I pay homage to all those brave armed forces personnel who ensured India attained an exceptional win in the 1971 war. Our nation will always be indebted to the armed forces for their role in keeping the country safe and secure," he wrote.
Other ministers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took part in the Vijay Diwas celebrations. Singh took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The war saw the liberation of Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan. India declared victory over the Pakistani armed forces on December 16, 1971. Since then, the day has been commemorated as Vijay Diwas to remember the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian defence forces. India also celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 every year to commemorate the victory of India over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil war.
(With inputs from PTI)
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