Nation remembers bravehearts on Vijay Diwas

The 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas was observed with solemn reverence at the Assam State War Memorial, Dighali Pukhuri, Guwahati, on Tuesday to commemorate India’s spectacular victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The event, held under the aegis of the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam, saw the nation pay a heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who ensured the decisive victory.

Lieutenant General Pranab Kumar Bharali, VSM (Retd), graced the occasion as the chief guest. Four distinguished 1971 War Veterans—Major General Purnananda Das (Retd), Brigadier Abani Kumar Pait (Retd), Colonel Robin Das (Retd) and Major Biren Borgohain (Retd)—shared their unforgettable experiences from the conflict. In a traditional gesture of respect, all the veterans were felicitated with a ‘Phoolam Gamocha’.

Brigadier Ajit Kumar Bora, VSM, Group Commander, NCC Group HQ Guwahati, was also present at the ceremony. Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial on behalf of Governor of Assam and Chief Minister of Assam. Simultaneously, a special programme titled ‘Amar Swaheed Shraddhanjali’ was also organised by the Directorate. Lieutenant General Pranab Kumar Bharali, VSM (Retd), former Director General, Army Aviation, felicitated two ‘Veer Naris’ whose husbands made the supreme sacrifice while ensuring the safety and security of the country.

Akan Boro and Bishnu Prova Chetri laid wreaths at the War Memorial for their fallen husbands, Havildar Ramdhan Boro (Sena Medal) and Subedar Tilak Bahadur Chetri, respectively, both of whom laid down their lives while battling militants in Jammu and Kashmir. The Veer Naris were presented with a pencil sketch of a photograph of their martyr husbands, accompanied by a narrative of their heroism written in Assamese. They were also handed a scroll describing their story of valour, which was written in both Hindi and English.

The ceremony was witnessed by a large gathering that included veterans, enthusiastic NCC cadets and school children. A Veteran is paying homage to the brave soldiers at State War Memorial, Dighali Pukhuri, Guwahati on Tuesday. Lt General Pranab Kumar Barali is felicitating two ‘Veer Naris’ on Tuesday whose husbands sacrificed their lives ensuring the security of the nation