The ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Mashaal’, symbolic of India’s 1971 War Victory reached North Kashmir’s “Vilgam” of border district of Kupwara. It was given a grand reception at Vilgam to commemorate 50 Years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the epic war of 1971. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indian Armed Forces Victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, the year 2021 is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. As part of the year-long Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations, Four Victory Flames were lit by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at National War Memorial on 16 December last year, which were sent to four cardinal directions.
One of the Victory Flames traveling due North was brought to 15 Rashtriya Rifles, Vilgam from Headquarter 8 Sector, Charkoot as part of its last lap in CIF (K). The Victory Flame was received with tremendous fervour by the civilians at the Champora Bridge and a Motor Bike Rally by local youth ushered it throughout the route towards Vilgam via Dhama. The Victory Flame was brought to the Main Gate of 15 Rashtriya Rifles at Vilgam and handed over for mile long Victory Run by National Level Sportspersons towards the celebration area. At the last stretch of the run, the Victory Flame was handed over to the War Veterans and was received by Commander Headquarter 8 Sector. A wreath laying ceremony with full honours and great ardours by War Veterans and Commander Headquarter 8 Sector was performed at the Victory Flame.
The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of Ex-servicemen, children and various civil dignitaries of the area. The celebration consisted of cultural programme including performance of Kashmiri dance by local dance group, patriotic song by school children and a mesmerising battle depiction of ‘Op Gazab’, which was fought at Tangdhar Sector by Indian Troops was also recreated towards the end of the event which totally enthralled the audience. Last but not the least was ‘Khukri Dance’ performed by ferocious looking Gorkha Soldiers which took the audience by awe. The War Veterans were felicitated by Commander 8 Sector in recognition of their valuable sacrifices and in achieving the glorious victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The emotions of patriotism were running high and the chanting of Bharat Mata Ki Jai was filled all over the place. The Victory Flame was later escorted for the Night Halt at 15 Rashtriya Rifles Quarter Guard. On 27 June 2021, the ‘Victory Flame’ was bid adieu for 59 Medium Regiment Aegis, 19 Artillery Brigade for further celebrations. Speaking to the media the Ex war veterans expressed their gratitude to prime minister and Army who made this event possible to remember their sacrifices.
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