Swarnim Vijay Varsh Utsav

Jalandhar, October 17, 2021: One of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Mashaal, commemorating the victory of Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pak War started its journey on 20 Dec 2020 from New Delhi and after travelling North and West across several states returned to Jalandhar Military station on 16 Oct 2021 enroute back to Delhi. The Utsav began with Lt Gen RP Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command accompanied by Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa, GOC 11 Corps laying a wreath at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay homage to the fallen heroes in remembrance of their sacrifices in the defence of the Motherland. 

The day was also marked with the flagging in of the Vajra Cycle Rally which commenced from the Attari border and covered a total of 888 km over a period of 16 days. The cycle rally passed through historical battle sites in the state of Punjab, Haryana and J&K as a pilgrimage bearing testimony to the grit, valour and sacrifices of the fallen which continues to inspire the future generations in the Indian Army. The cycle rally was flagged in at the Katoch stadium by Lt Gen RP Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command. The GOC-in-C complimented the team members for their motivation and spirit in undertaking the ride as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the nation. 

To mark the occasion certain welfare initiatives for Veterans and their families to include Sainik Aramgrah, Nari Awas and Vajra Nature Park were inaugurated by Lt Gen RP Singh GOC-in-C Western Command and Mrs Alka Singh, President AWWNA Western Command. The day also witnessed a Painting competition and an Equipment display organized to enhance the spirit of patriotism among the youth and children of Jalandhar.

Lt Gen RP Singh was the Chief Guest at the Swarnim Vijay Varsh ts ay held at Katoch Stadium and was marked with Martial Art and Cultural displays which included Malkhamb, Khukri Dance, Kalari Payattu, Fire Lezim, Bhangra and Gatka. A spellbinding Motorcycle display by the renowned Daredevils team from the Corps of Signals, followed by a live depiction of the famous Battles of Dera Baba Nanak and Sehjra highlighting the valour and supreme sacrifice of our Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pak War raised the spirits of all. The high point of the event was a musical extravaganza by the Pipe bands of Indian Army and the Naval Symphony Band. 

Lt Gen RP Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command interacted and felicitated Veterans and Veer Naris hailing from Jalandhar, Amritsar, Beas, Ludhiana and nearby areas who played a major role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The GOC-in-C lauded the supreme sacrifices and valour displayed by our soldiers in achieving an overwhelming victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War. Senior officials of the civil administration, Police, other agencies and civil society were also present. Veterans, soldiers with their families and school children attended in large numbers. The event was a huge success as Jalandhar reverberated to the Military's celebration of the victory over Pakistan in 1971.