'Vijay Diwas' is a proud moment for Indians: DC

Ex-servicemen, officials, NCC cadets, public pay tribute to martyrs

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that ‘Vijay Diwas’ which commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the war that saw birth of Bangladesh is always a proud moment for all Indians. He was speaking at the commemoration of ‘Vijay Diwas’ jointly organised by DK District Ex-Servicemen’s Association, Sri Bhoothanatheshwar Temple Trust and Lions District 317-D, at Kadri Hills here on Tuesday.

Speaking further, the DC said that not only through the martyrdom of soldiers, but India taught principle of peace to the world through the Shimla Pact, where India agreed to return 93,000 soldiers and 13,000 square km of captured territory to Pakistan. District and Sessions Judge Uma M G opined that the ceremony organised by the ex-servicemen would help to guide youth and develop patriotism among them.

City Police Commissioner R Hithendra recalled the sacrifice of soldiers and their families. This movement reminds us about our responsibility to think about the past wherein so many people sacrificed their life for the nation.

DK District Ex-Servicemen’s Association President Col (retd) N S Bhandary said that Indian Army commanded by Lt Gen J S Arora achieved victory over Pakistani Uniformed Forces commanded by Lt Gen A A K Niazi in just 13 days, from December 3 to16 in 1971. About 93,000 soldiers surrendered to India and this is biggest surrender in a war ever after  World War II, he said. Lions Club District President Manjunath Murthy also spoke.
 
Earlier, wreaths and flowers were laid on the war memorial and respect was paid for the soldiers who sacrificed their life in the line of duty, for the country. NCC cadets from various colleges participated in the ceremony.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Tulasi Maddineni, Superintendent of Police Sharanappa, District Legal Service Authority Member Secretary Ganesh B, Association members R K Shetty, Raghavendra Bhat, S M Airon were present among others.

Felicitation
A public function to felicitate ex- servicemen Sadashiva Prabhu, Jerome Castelino and Brigadier Vinod Adapa from DK district was held at Kadri Park, in the evening. This was followed by patriotic dance, and songs by college students, audio-video display of clips from the 1971 war and short entertainment programme.