India was never a weak nation nor it is today: CM

Chief Minister Kamal Nath while paying tribute to the martyrs of 1971 India-Pakistan war at Vijay Diwas function at Shaurya Smarak here today said that India was never a weak nation nor it is today.

Addressing the Victory Day celebration, Kamal Nath said that we should remember that all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, have a duty to safeguard the unity of the nation and strengthen its integrity. Always remember our martyrs. He called upon the citizens to strive for the development, prosperity and peace of India.

The Chief Minister, in his message, said that India-Pakistan war was a military struggle. The conflict began on 3 December 1971 and ended on 16 December with the surrender of the Pak Army at Dhaka. He said that in the beginning of this war, Pakistan carried out air strikes on 11 stations of the Indian Air Force. In this, the Indian Army fought with Pakistan on the Eastern and Western Fronts. The Indian Army defeated the Pak Army on both fronts.

The desperate Pakistani army was forced to surrender, with East Pakistan as a result of which Bangladesh was born. The Chief Minister said that we celebrate this day as Vijay Diwas. He said that this war symbolises the bravery of Indian soldiers along with the strong leadership of late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. She was a unique example of nationalism. In this war, 93000 soldiers of Pakistan were forced to kneel down and had to surrender.

Citing two main reason of the great Victory, the Chief Minister said that the firstly it was the determination and strong leadership of the then Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Indira Gandhi. Secondly, it was strategic leadership of General SHJF Manekshaw, President of the Indian Army and Chief of the Army Staff Committee.

He said that many Western nations and super power America were openly threatening India not to take any action against Pakistan. It was Indira Gandhi’s courage, who taught lesson to Pakistan in armed conflict and established sovereignty of India.

Her extraordinary courage and decision, unmatched bravery of Indian military forces made India proud and brought joy to the countrymen, which he said will remain for ages to come.

The Chief Minister said that the 1971 Victory established India as powerful nation in the world. This also established the then Prime Minister late Gandhi as Iron Lady recognising her intelligence and hard decision.

While referring to the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Captain Praveen Davar, Delhi, said that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showeing skillful leadership and courage, boosted the morale of the forces.

This step of Indira ji was appreciated all over the world. Captain Davar lauded this programme of the Public Relations and Culture Department and described the publications made on Vijay Divas as informative.

At the outset, Chief Minister Kamal Nath offered flowers and paid homage at the Shaurya Stambh in the Shaurya Smarak Parisar. GAD Minister Govind Singh, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Arif Aqueel, Public Relations Minister Shri P.C. Sharma, Chief Secretary Sudhi Ranjan Mohanty, Brigadier Aditya Vikram Paithia were present.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath honoured Paithia for his special contribution in the 1971 war. Singer Sandipa Pare and her colleagues performed patriotic songs in the programme. These included songs – Hindustan Ki Kasam … Na Jhukenge… and Jo Samar me ho gaye amar written by Kaifi Azmi. Tunes of patriotic songs were also played by the police band. A large number of people, students, officers and public representatives were present in the programme.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath honoured the military officers and jawans of the 1971 war with symbols of honour and shawl.