16 December 2021 will mark 50 years of the liberation of Bangladesh and India’s victory over Pakistan in the
1971 Indo-Pak War. To commemorate this landmark event in India’s history, Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations are being organised throughout the Country.
A cultural event titled “Bijoya Sanskritik
Mahotsav”aimed at showcasing the cultural linkages between India and Bangladesh during the war was organised by the Eastern Command of Indian Army at Kolkata just ended yesterday night.
Various cultural programmes include screening of Hindi and Bangladeshi films, theatre play and Musical concerts and band performances were the main attraction .
“Events of “Bijoya Sanskritik Mahotsav” brought to fore the various tales of valor of Indian Army soldiers and Mukti Jodhyas in the various historical battles fought by these brave souls in the 1971 war of liberation”…an Indian Army statement said.
Lt Gen Manoj Pande,AVSM,VSM, General Office Commanding – in- Chief(GOC) and Deputy High Commissioner Toufique Hasan, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, inaugurated the event at Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata on 26 September 2021 by lighting of lamp.
Air Chief Marshall (Retd) Arup Raha and Lt Gen Rajinder Dewan , Veer Naaris, War veterans ,celebrities and people of Kolkata were also graced the occasion.
The Mahotsav was open for public from 27 Sep to 29 Sep. Hghlights of this historical event included Bengali play back singer Ujjaini Mukherjee and Aneek Dhar mesmerizing the audience with their melodious voice.In a Fusion band display – an amalgamation of Army Pipe, Brass and Jazz Band created an extra flair . A theatre play on 1971 Indo-Pak War – “Ikhattar ki ladai-Ek Vijay Gatha”, performed by famous RSR Group earned spectators admiration. Those attended also had an opportunity to witness display of vintage vehicle and equipment of Indian Armed Forces. Popular Rock band Lakkichara brought the audience to their feet with their performance. Patriotic Bollywood and
Bangladeshi movies were screened on all the days. Guided tour to Fort William was organized for selective audience to witness the historical background of Fort William and important structures/monuments associated with 1971 War.
Under the aegis of Eastern Command and Gajraj Corps, an Indo-Bangladesh seminar was recently organised at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati. It focused on Indo-Bangladesh relations, with particular reference to how North East India fits into the whole gambit of the Indo-Bangladesh relationship.
It aims at highlighting the similarities which the two nations share and the emerging opportunities wherein North East India, with Government of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, can become a big opportunity for Bangladesh as well.
The cultural extravaganza aims at bringing people of the two neighbouring countries closer. Many Military Personnel, famous film personalities, dignitaries from civil sectors and war veteran attended this musical event.
Pictures courtesy: Indian Army
(Inputs from Pratyusha Mukherjee)