Udupi: Vijaya Diwas observed to mark 43rd anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, Dec 16, 2014: The Ex-Servicemen’s Forum, Udupi observed the ‘Vijaya Divas’ marking the 43rd anniversary of India’s spectacular victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War also known as the ‘Bangladesh Liberation War’ on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 at 9 am at the War Memorial situated at Ajjarakadu, Udupi. Udupi District Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the chief guest. Other guests of honour included Yuvaraj, President of Udupi Municipality, Yashpal Suvarna, Corporator of Ajjarakadu and  Vilas Nayak, CMD of Hanuman Group of Companies who was the chief sponsor of the programme.

 

Prior to the main programme, Colonel (Dr.) Francis E.A. Rodrigues M.S., President of the Ex-Servicemen’s Forum, Udupi hoisted the All Services Flag in the presence of the ex-servicemen. NCC Cadets, both Army and Navy Wings from MGM College, Udupi were present for the programme.

 

 

Arriving at the venue,  Dr. Rajendra Prasad hoisted the national flag following which the Last Post was sounded. Thereafter, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, followed by Colonel (Dr.) Francis E.A. Rodrigues, Commodore Jerome Castelino (VSM), representing Naval ex-servicemen, Colonel Ramachandra Rao, representing Army ex-servicemen and Master Warrant Officer Chandrasekhar Suvarna and other ex-servicemen offered floral reeds and floral tribute at the War Memorial in memory of those soldier who had sacrificed their lives during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

 

The stage programme was held soon after paying tribute at the War Memorial.  In his introductory address, Commodore Jerome Castelino briefly traced the circumstances that led to the Bangladesh Liberation War that started on 3 December 1971 and ended on 16 December 1971, the day which has been observed as the ‘Vijaya Divas’. All the three wings of the armed forces-army, navy and air force jointly fought this war both on eastern and western fronts. Just within a matter of 14 days, the war came to an end with the victory of India by the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers under the command Lt. Gen. A. Niazi  at Dakha on 16 December 1971.

 

In this war, 4,370 soldiers, 115 sailors and 56 airmen of Indian armed forces lost their lives. Over 5,000 soldiers were wounded and approximately 1800 soldiers were seriously injured making them incapable of continuing in service.  Sadly, the families were not able to see the mortal remains of the martyrs and hence were unable to perform their last rites as it was not the policy of the then government to hand over the bodies to the families. It was only in 1999 during the Kargil War, the then Defense Minister, George Fernandes took a decision to hand over the bodies of the martyred soldiers in the war to the family members wherever they are.

 

 

Speaking further, Commodore Jerome Castelino said that the Indian soldiers are second to none among the armed forces of the world with regard to display of courage and bravery. They join armed forces at a very young age and are discharged between the age of 35 to 40. Thereafter they need rehabilitation in the civil life to look after their families during the remaining part of their lives. They need support and help from both government and corporate authorities. Unfortunately, this is not available to them easily. Their service in the defense forces under extreme hard conditions and treacherous environment away from their families in protecting the motherland not duly appreciated  and recognized. Promises made by both  central and state governments are not honoured. This indifferent attitude has resulted in very few youngsters coming forward to join the armed forces particularly from Karnataka. Speaking further, Commodore Jerome Castelino said that the two recent important announcements made by Prime Minister  Narendra Modi with regard to  the introduction of ‘One Rank One Pension’ and building of a National War Memorial would be materialized sooner than expected.

 

As an elderly and senior retired soldier, Commodore Jerome Castelino called  upon both the government officials and corporate authorities to kindly show little empathy and not apathy towards the soldiers both serving and retired. A soldier ever remains apolitical and renders service honestly and faithfully to the nation.

 

Dr. Rajendra Prasad greatly appreciated the observance of the ‘Viajaya Divas’ by the Ex-Servicemen’s Forum, Udupi and lauded the selfless service rendered by all the wings of the Indian armed forces in defending the borders of the country under difficult conditions.  He also said that the retired servicemen should be given respect and that their life should be an example to other citizens.

 

Yuvaraj and Yashpal Suvarna assured help from the Udupi Municipal administration for the upkeep of the War Memorial and Ajjarakadu and its cleanliness throughout the year.

 

Vilas Nayak, the chief sponsor of the programme said that the citizens have greatest respect and gratitude towards the Indian armed forces and ex-servicemen. He assured his support for organizing  such memorial programmes every year.

 

Ex-serviceman Ganapayya Sherigar proposed the vote of thanks and Ex-serviceman Gilbert Braganza compeered the programme.