The grounds of the iconic Victoria Memorial resonated with the stirring beats of Martial Music, marking the 52nd Vijay Diwas. This significant occasion not only commemorates the camaraderie between India and Bangladesh but also celebrates the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces and Mukti Jodhas over the Pakistan Army, culminating in the Liberation of Bangladesh.
Graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. CV Ananda Bose, the Honourable Governor of West Bengal and Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, Army Commander Headquarters Eastern Command, the event witnessed the attendance of Mukti Jodhas, veterans of the 1971 war, alongside military and civil dignitaries. Adding to the significance, a seventy one member delegation from Bangladesh, including 30 Mukti Jodhas with their families, Md Momim Ullah Patwary BP, the delegation’s senior, and six serving officers of the Bangladesh Army led by Major General Md Hossin Al Morshed, Military Delegation Leader, Bangladesh were also present.
The vibrant celebration showcased a spectacular display of military bands, comprising Brass, Pipe, and Jazz ensembles. They enthralled the audience with a diverse repertoire of patriotic and martial tunes, interspersed with iconic Hindi and Bengali melodies, adding a rich variety to the function.
A breathtaking highlight of the evening was a mesmerizing Drone show, transforming the facade of Victoria Memorial into a canvas illustrating a half-hour presentation on the Liberation War. This captivating visual narrative shed light on the circumstances that spurred the people of Bangladesh to demand their independence.
The festivities continued with a specially curated Cultural Program, a captivating blend of stunning stagecraft and music tailored for this historic day. The guest performances by renowned artists Ricky Kej and Sunita Bhuyan added an extra dimension of brilliance to the show, leaving the audience spellbound.
The evening concluded with a feeling of nostalgia lingering among attendees, as the finely tuned and delightful performances left an indelible mark on their memories.
Source: Fort William, HQ, Eastern Command
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
