The 53rd Vijay Diwas was celebrated at Fort William, Kolkata, with a Bangladeshi delegation present, highlighting India’s crucial support during the 1971 Liberation War. Veterans recalled their experiences and the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh, despite current tensions. The event featured tributes from Indian leaders and reinforced the shared history and mutual respect between the two nations.
The 53rd Vijay Diwas was commemorated on December 16 at Fort William, Kolkata, the headquarters of Eastern Command, with participation from a Bangladesh delegation. This included eight Mukti Joddhas and Brigadier General Mohammed Aminur Rahman from the Bangladesh Army. The presence of these veterans underscored the historical bonds formed during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, in which the Indian Army played a pivotal role.
During the event, Major General (Retd.) Abdus Salam Chaudhary shared his personal experiences, stating, “All I had was ambition and ammunition to fight the war.” He reflected on India’s crucial support during the conflict, mentioning the solidarity shown by Indira Gandhi and the essential resources supplied by India. The continued annual observance of Vijay Diwas signifies the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and India, as noted by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, who expressed optimism for positive changes in Bangladesh’s political climate.
Indian veterans also reflected on their experiences. Wing Commander (Retd.) D. J. Claire recounted his father’s historic actions during the war, while Colonel (Retd.) Suresh Kumar Sharma stated, “We went there not as liberators. We went there to fight the inhuman cruelties Bangladeshis were facing at the hands of Pakistani forces.” Both underscored the sacrifices made to assist in the liberation of Bangladesh.
The event featured wreath-laying ceremonies at the War Memorial, accompanied by tributes from notable figures including West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who stressed the significance of that day in the context of global democracy. Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, the shared history remains a strong foundation for future cooperation.
The Vijay Diwas, commemorating the victory of Indian armed forces in the Bangladesh Liberation War, is celebrated annually on December 16. The war, which concluded in 1971, not only resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation but also strengthened India-Bangladesh relations. Given the current socio-political tensions, the participation of Bangladeshi veterans in Indian commemorations reflects both an acknowledgment of past sacrifices and hopes for future reconciliation and cooperation between the two nations.
The recent Vijay Diwas celebrations served as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted historical ties between India and Bangladesh, forged during the Liberation War of 1971. The shared recollections of veterans from both sides underscore the significant contributions made toward liberation, even amid contemporary challenges. As both nations navigate their evolving political landscapes, such commemorative events emphasize the importance of mutual understanding and solidarity.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
