On the solemn occasion of the Vijay Diwas 2024, a poignant wreath-laying ceremony was held at Fort William, Kolkata. The ceremony paid homage to the valourous souls who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of liberation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of a nine member delegation from Bangladesh and 15 member delegation of our own armed forces apart from other veterans and civil dignitaries.
Wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe, GOC, Bengal Sub Area, Lt Gen RC Srikanth, COS, HQ Eastern Command, Maj Gen Abdus Salam Chowdhury (Retd) of Bangladesh delegation and Brig Gen Md Aminur Rahman, Military Delegation Leader, Bangladesh, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC (Retd), Gen Shankar Roy Chowdhury, PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Lt Gen RC Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Dr. CV Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal laid the final wreath in conjunction with a poignant flower petal drop orchestrated by Army Aviation helicopters.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. CV Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, conveyed profound gratitude to the fallen heroes and veterans of both countries. He emphasized their immense sacrifice and valour, which manifested the aspirations of millions in the creation of the new nation – Bangladesh. Dr CV Ananda Bose highlighted India’s pivotal role as the first nation to recognize Bangladesh as a sovereign state on 6th December 1971, fostering robust bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.
The ceremony held special significance for the Eastern Command, which played a pivotal role in the 1971 War, earning Vijay Diwas a revered place in the Command’s history.
Brig Gen Md Aminur Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh delegation, paid tribute to the Indian Army soldiers who made supreme sacrifice, acknowledging the Indian people’s contributions and support to Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom from oppression and tyranny.
During the interaction, emotions ran deep as Indian Veterans and Bangladesh delegation relived the triumphant moments of democracy and freedom prevailing over suppression, paying homage to the fallen brethren who fought valiantly during those tumultuous days of the war.
(Inputs from Wing Cdr Himanshu Tiwari, CPRO, Eastern Region, Ministry of Defence)
