Kolkata witnessed a vibrant display of patriotism and camaraderie as the Indian Army’s Eastern Command organized a motorcycle rally on Sunday, leading up to the much-anticipated ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrations. This rally honors India’s historic victory over Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, a pivotal event in the nation’s military history.
The event, which took place in collaboration with a popular FM radio channel, aimed to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices made by the armed forces while also fostering closer ties between the military and the civilian community. A defense official highlighted the significance of the rally in reinforcing these bonds.
Leading the motorcycle rally was Lieutenant General R C Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, who was joined by enthusiastic motorcycle riders from both the armed forces and local civilians. The rally was officially flagged off by Lieutenant General R C Srikanth, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command, from the historic Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Army Command, which is situated in the heart of Kolkata.
Spanning a distance of 25 kilometers, the motorcycle procession meandered through several iconic landmarks of Kolkata, including the famed Eden Gardens, the majestic Victoria Memorial, and the revered Birla Mandir. The event culminated at the East Gate of Fort William, where the Eastern Army Commander conducted a solemn homage at the ‘Vijay Smarak,’ a memorial dedicated to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 conflict.
The participants, which included officers from the Indian armed forces and distinguished citizens of Kolkata, united in a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 war. This period witnessed the onset of the Indo-Pak War, ignited by Pakistan’s pre-emptive airstrikes against 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. The war was a response to the widespread atrocities committed in East Pakistan, where the oppressive military regime led by General Yahya Khan was responsible for grave human rights violations.
Despite its brevity, lasting just 13 days, the war was marked by intense battles on both Eastern and Western fronts. Ultimately, the Indian Armed Forces achieved a decisive victory, culminating in the surrender of Pakistani forces and the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation. The rally not only commemorated the military triumph but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of peace and justice in the region.
