Bravehearts recall 1971 victory against Pak
‘Victory Mashaal’ accorded grand reception at the War Memorial
The Golden Jubilee anniversary of the iconic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the IndoPak War of 1971 is being celebrated as “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” here this year.
The Telangana and Andhra chapter of this event spread over ten days has commenced on Monday.
The ‘Victory Mashaal’ was accorded a grand reception at the War Memorial at Artillery Centre. It was received by Lieutenant Colonel Narsinga Rao, Vir Chakra (Retd) Gallantry Awardee of the 1971 War, Lieutenant General KR Rao, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) and Brigadier Jaydeep Yadav, Commandant, Artillery Centre with full military honours.
In a solemn ceremony, the 1971 War Veterans and senior officers laid wreaths in honour of the sacrifice of the gallant warriors. During its last-mile run, the Mashaal was carried by outstanding sports persons — Arjuna/Dronacharya Awardees, recruits as also NCC cadets and school children — to Makhan Singh Stadium for display.
Tricolour balloons were released, followed by an audio video narration of the 1971 War, a stupendous band display and speeches by Lieutenant Colonel Narsinga Rao, VrC (Retd), Lieutenant General KR Rao, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) and Brigadier Jaydeep Yadav, Commandant, Artillery Centre to commemorate the event.
“The war in December 1971 was fought for upholding the human rights of the people of Bangladesh. It lasted 14 days and it was one of the fastest, swiftest, shortest and bloodiest war ever fought. Pakistan lost half of its navy and a quarter of its air force,” said Major General RK Singh, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area.
He added that the mega state-level function would be held at the Veerula Sainik Smark,
Secunderabad, on Thursday. It would be attended by Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, veterans and other distinguished civil and military dignitaries.
Citizens of the twin cities of Hyderabad/ Secunderabad City will also pay their homage to the Victory Mashaal during the function at Parade Ground in Secunderabad, which is open to the public.