The Indian Army's Southern Command commemorated the 54th anniversary of India's historic victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan, paying solemn tributes and honouring the heroes of the conflict during Vijay Diwas 2025 observances in Pune on Tuesday.
A Solemn Tribute to Valour and Sacrifice
Led by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, the ceremony was held at the Southern Command War Memorial. The event saw the participation of serving personnel and veterans from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. The central act of remembrance was a wreath-laying ceremony where Lt Gen Seth laid a commemorative wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Southern Command, honouring the soldiers, airmen, and sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A poignant silence was observed as a collective gesture of gratitude towards the martyrs of the 1971 war. The observance was not just about remembering the past but also recognising the living legends and the families they left behind.
Honouring the Heroes and the Veer Naris
As a key part of the Vijay Diwas programme, the Southern Command felicitated veterans who fought in the 1971 war. In a deeply emotional segment of the ceremony, Veer Naris (war widows) were also honoured for their unparalleled courage, resilience, and enduring sacrifice. A press statement from the Pune-based Command highlighted that the commemoration concluded with an informal interaction between the Army Commander, serving personnel, Veer Naris, and veterans on the lawns of the Southern Command Museum.
This interaction served as a bridge between generations of warriors, allowing stories of valour to be shared and the legacy of the 1971 victory to be passed on.
Remembering Decisive Battles in the Southern Theatre
The 1971 war, which began with Pakistan's pre-emptive air strikes on 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971, was a short but intense conflict fought on eastern and western fronts. It concluded decisively on December 16, 1971, with the surrender of Pakistani forces and the birth of Bangladesh.
The area of responsibility of the Southern Command witnessed some of the war's most famous battles. The Battle of Longewala, fought between December 4 and 7, 1971, was one of the first major engagements in the western sector. Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri (later Brigadier) and his company of the 23 Punjab Regiment famously defended the post in Rajasthan's Thar desert against overwhelming odds.
Another notable operation was the raid on Chachro in Pakistan's Sindh province. This surgical strike was executed by the 10 Para Commando Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Bhawani Singh (later Brigadier). The commandos penetrated 80 km deep into enemy territory to destroy key enemy garrisons at Chachro and other militarily significant locations, showcasing exceptional daring and skill.
The Vijay Diwas 2025 observance in Pune stood as a powerful reminder of the nation's military heritage and the enduring spirit of its armed forces, ensuring that the saga of 1971 continues to inspire future generations.
