The 16th December 2020 marks the 49th Vijay Diwas and also marks the beginning of the celebration of “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” – 50th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan.
The day is observed to pay tribute to the martyrs of both India and Bangladesh who died in the line of duty during the 1971 Liberation War.
Background of Vijay Diwas:
i.The 1971 Indo-Pak war which began on 3rd December 1971, lasted for 13 days and ended on 16th December 1971.
ii.India won the war when Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, Army general of Pakistan along with his 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered before the Indian Army and Mukti-Bahini led by Lieutenant General Jagit Singh Aurora.
iii.This is the largest military surrender after World War II.
iv.The 1971 liberation war was initiated after the Pakistan ill-treated the Bengali speaking people and undermined the results of the elections in the region.
Events:
i.The Government of India has organised the “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” programme at the National War Memorial(NWM) at New Delhi, in which Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated.
ii.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the logo for “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” on the occasion of the 49th Vijay Diwas.
iii.PM Modi lit the “four Swarnim Vijay Mashaal” at the NWM to mark the 50th anniversary of India’s victory.
iv.The four victory Mashaals(Flames) lit from the Eternal Flames of NWM will be carried to various parts of India including the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of 1971 war.
v.The soil from these villages and the area’s where the major battles were fought in 1971 are being brought to the NWM.
vi.Various events like band display, seminars, exhibitions, equipment display, film festivals, conclave and adventure activities will be organised across the country.
vii.Events to felicitate the “Veterans and Veer Naris” will also be organised across India.
About Ministry of Defence:
Union Minister- Rajnath Singh
Minister of State- Shripad Yesso Naik
About Indian Army:
Chief of the Army Staff– General MM Naravane
Headquarters– New Delhi
