VIJAY DIWAS

The Indian Armed Forces have a long tradition of valor and courage, in the face of overwhelming odds. Nowhere was this better demonstrated than in the heroic endeavors made by the Indian Armed forces in the liberation of Bangladesh, in 1971.

From the moment the operations were planned it was apparent that speed was going to be the key factor in the Operation for both political and military reasons; yet it was also clear that achieving speed and mobility was going to be the most difficult. The plan succeeded due to close cooperation among the three services and the highest standards of political and military leadership, skill and boldness in execution and consummate logistical management. While the Indian Army advanced in cooperation with freedom fighters of Bangladesh and converged on to Dhaka, the IAF within 48 hours completely pulversied the airfields achieving complete air superiority after the Naval fleet moved in to blockade the Bay of Bengal. Air Force dropping of Army personnel at Tangail and Navy Guarding the Bay of Bengal was a classic example cooperation of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The basic aim of the Western Sector was to maintain a position of offensive defence and hence did not result in a major offensive.

Operations in 1971 saw some of the greatest heroic deeds by our officers and men. As many as four Param Vir Chakras were awarded during the operations which stands testimony to the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, we salute our brethren who have laid down lives in the service of the nation.

Today as we celebrate the 25^th Anniversary, we salute our officers and men who maintain eternal vigil along the vast international borders encompassing some of the most inhospitable terrains in the world to preserve the integrity of our country,