Vijay Diwas - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16th every year in India to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- 2. The war lasted for 13 days and resulted in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation from East Pakistan.
- 3. The Indian Armed Forces achieved a decisive victory over Pakistan, leading to the surrender of nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers.
- 4. The war began on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched air strikes against Indian airbases in the western sector. India retaliated by launching a full-scale military operation.
- 5. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force coordinated their efforts to launch simultaneous attacks on multiple fronts, leading to the quick defeat of the Pakistani forces.
- 6. The Battle of Longewala, Battle of Hilli, Battle of Basantar, and the Battle of Garibpur were some of the key battles that contributed to India's victory in the war.
- 7. The war also saw the largest military surrender since World War II, as Pakistani forces laid down their arms in Dhaka on December 16, 1971.
- 8. The signing of the Instrument of Surrender by Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi, the commander of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan, marked the official end of the war.
- 9. Vijay Diwas is celebrated with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and tributes to the brave soldiers who fought in the war.
- 10. The day serves as a reminder of the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces and the importance of upholding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.