Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation on Thursday in paying tributes to the armed forces on the occasion of 50th anniversary of India defeating Pakistan in the 1971 war. It led to the creation of Bangladesh.
Modi laid a wreath and paid his respects at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, which is celebrated in commemoration of India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
Four victory torches (vijay mashaals), which were taken across the country during the last one year, were merged into the memorial's eternal flame by the Prime Minister.
These victory torches, which were lighted by the Prime Minister exactly a year ago, were carried to various parts of India, including to villages of the awardees of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra of the 1971 war, as a part of Golden Jubilee year celebrations (Swarnim Vijay Varsh).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and chiefs of the three armed forces were present at the National War Memorial during the event. Modi said on Twitter, "On this special day of Vijay Diwas, I had the honour of paying my respects at the National War Memorial and merging into the Eternal Flame, the four Vijay Mashaals which traversed across the length and breadth of the country over the course of last one year."December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.