Today is Victory Day: Saluting the historic victory of December 16, 1971
December 16th… This is not just a date, but a golden chapter in India’s history, where courage, sacrifice, and national pride charted a new course. On this Victory Day, we pay homage to the historic war of 1971, which not only established India’s military prowess on the world stage but also became a symbol of the triumph of humanity and justice.
The 1971 war was not merely a conflict over borders. It was a war fought in response to the cries of millions of people who were suffering inhumane atrocities in what was then East Pakistan. A flood of refugees was pouring into India, and their suffering shook the very soul of the nation. At that time, India showed the courage to stand not just as a neighboring country, but as a protector of human values.
When the Indian soldiers took to the battlefield, they carried not only weapons but also the hopes of their countrymen. Icy nights, muddy fields, and the constant threat of death—amidst all this, the morale of our soldiers remained unwavering. They knew that this battle was not just for victory, but for the honor and peace of future generations.
The surrender in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, was a moment in history that stunned the entire world. The surrender of more than 93,000 Pakistani soldiers—this was not just a military victory, but a combined success of India’s strategic acumen, political leadership, and the indomitable courage of its soldiers. On that very day, Bangladesh was born, and a new nation emerged on the world map with hope.
Behind this victory lie countless stories—a mother’s tears, a father’s pride, a wife’s waiting, and the innocent prayers of children. Many brave sons did not return, but they became immortal. Their sacrifice continues to flutter proudly as the glory of the tricolor flag.
Victory Day reminds us that the path to peace is not always easy. Sometimes, courageous decisions must be made to stand against injustice. This day also teaches us that the true strength of a nation lies in its unity, discipline, and moral values.
Today, as we celebrate Victory Day, it is not merely an occasion to remember the past, but also a day to make resolutions for the present and the future. A resolution that we will never let the sacrifices of our soldiers go in vain. A resolution that we will not allow any harm to come to the unity and integrity of our country.
Let us all come together today to pay homage to those heroes, thanks to whom we can proudly say—India was victorious, India is victorious, and India will remain victorious.
Jai Hind.