Port Blair, Aug 01: In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces had secured a decisive victory over the Pakistan Army, and a new nation “Bangladesh” was created. The victory also resulted intothe largest military surrender post World War-II wherein approximately 93,000 soldiers of the Pakistan Army surrendered to the Indian Army. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic victory, the nation is celebrating Year 2021 as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. The celebrations commenced with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lighting the Victory Flame on 16 December 2020. TheVictory Flame was lit from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial and signifies the bravery of our heroic soldiers during the war. Since then the Victory Flame is travelling across the length and breadth of India and a large number of commemorative events have been conducted during its journey.
The Victory Flame after covering 3000 Kms on main land is scheduled to travel 700 nm (1300 km) in the sea, on board Indian Naval Ship“Sumedha” and arrive at Port Blair on 03rd Aug 21.On reaching Port Blair the Flame would be received by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi, AVSM, PVSM, YSM, NM, VSM,who would then hand over the Flame to Lieutenant General Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), for conduct of commemorative activities under the aegis of ANC.
Much to the honour of the gallant men that the Flame commemorates, its passage through ourmajestic seas would be symbolic of the roaring fortitude displayed by our war heroes to achieve themost spectacular military victory the world has ever witnessed. The Flame would be visiting the towns of Port Blair, Mayabunder, Baratang, Diglipur, Hutbay, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay, wherein it would be hosted by local defence establishments and would be on display for visitors and war veterans. Various events such as interaction with War veterans/ Ex-serviceman/ War widows, show casing of the flame through the important streets, culture/ entertainment programs, cycle expeditions, and the likes are planned at various stations in honour of the flame.
The flame will also be taken to Landfall Islands; which signifies the Northernmost deployment of the ANC, Barren Island; India’s only active volcano and Indira Point the southernmost point of the Country. The aim of the journey is to spread the message of India’s Victory and sacrifices of our war heroes to the remotest areas and shores of the country.
