On December 16, Vijay Diwas, a Few True Heroes of the 1971 War Between India and Pakistan

Every year December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas. The day celebrates and honours the real heroes of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Check out this article to learn about some of these real-life heroes.

Vijay Diwas, also known as Victory Day is celebrated every year on December 16. The day commemorates India’s triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war. On this occasion, the Indian Armed Forces and their valour made 93,000 Pakistan Army Personnel surrender after the end of the war which led to the formation of Bangladesh

The intense conflict began in March 1971 with the start of a brutal crackdown in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from Pakistan military forces. India intervened to support Bangladesh’s struggle for Independence prompted by the atrocities carried out by the Pakistan military against innocent citizens

With the situation getting worse, India officially entered the war on December 3, 1971. The Indian Armed Forces conducted various front-winning operations with great bravery and strategic ability and emerged victorious within a short span of 13 days. The formation of Bangladesh as an independent nation on December 16, 1971, after the Pakistan Military’s public surrender, is still remembered as a landmark event in world history.

The victory came with tremendous sacrifice as around 3,900 Indian soldiers lost their lives and 9,851 were wounded. This historic victory was only possible because of the Indian Armed Forces and the Mukti Jodhas, who emerged as real heroes in this decisive war.

The Indian defence forces fought bravely and several soldiers and officers sacrificed their lives or were wounded for life. Many of these brave hearts received the nation’s highest gallantry awards. Let’s learn a bit more about some of these heroes.