Vijay Diwas 2020: All You Need To Know About History, Significance Of The Day

The nation is marking the 50th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. It is also called ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. Various commemorative events are planned across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ – a symbol of victory. Four such torches will be carried to various parts of the country. Also to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra Awardees of 1971 War.

The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Here is all you need to know about the Vijay Diwas 2020 – History, Significance, Date:

Date:

Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Significance:

On December 3, 1971, India and Pakistan went into a war for 13 days. The war officially ended on December 16 with the surrender of Pakistan Army. It paved the way for the formation of East Pakistan into present-day Bangladesh. This day is celebrated as Vijay Diwas or victory day.

History:

Vijay Diwas marks the historic day of India’s momentous victory over Pakistan Army in the IndoPak War 1971 for the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The Indian government had decided to go against Pakistan to save Bengali Muslims and Hindus on December 3, 1971. This war was fought under the leadership of Field Marshal Manekshaw. More than 1400 soldiers of India were martyred during this war. It was on this day in 1971 that the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered unconditionally before the Indian forces.

The then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s decisive role played a pivotal part in the Indo Pak war and the formation of Bangla Desh.

The day is also remembered for the message of the then Indian Army Chief Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan. He had warned Pakistan saying, “you surrender or we wipe you out”.

“‘You surrender or We wipe you out’ was the message given by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan on 13th December 1971. The Field Marshal lived his words as the world will see the unprecedented surrender of more than 93000 Pakistani soldiers,” tweeted the Indian Army on Tuesday.

‘You surrender or We wipe you out’ was the message given by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan on 13th December 1971.

The Field Marshal lived his words as the world will see unprecedented surrender of more than 93000 Pakistani soldiers.#IndianArmy#AlwaysVictorious pic.twitter.com/qQGSOMuzlC

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 15, 2020

This battle is also considered to be one of the most violent wars of the 20th century. It witnessed large-scale atrocities. More than 3 million people were killed by the Pakistani forces in East Pakistan. The year also saw the exodus of as many as 10 million refugees from East Pakistan into India.

We Salute Our Armed Forces for Their Bravery.

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