Patiala, December 29:As part of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations, 25 Veer Naris and 70 Veterans of Patiala and surrounding areas who had participated in 1971 Indo-Pak War were felicitated by General Officer Commanding, ‘Airawat Division’ in a grand event held at the Yadvinder Officer Institute, Patiala; a historic landmark building.
A Guard of Honour was given to the Victory Flame as it was brought to the venue, with school children and NCC cadets showering flower petals enroute and shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 and Army Public School, Patiala lit up the atmosphere by singing patriotic songs and performing ‘Bhangra and Gidda’ on the occasion. A Military Band also performed at the event and infused a new zeal in all present by playing Marshal Tunes. Veterans and Veer Naris were presented with specially designed mementoes and shawls commemorating the Golden Jubilee event.
The event was attended by representatives of all three services of the Indian Armed Forces and prominent Civil Dignitaries. Amongst the veterans, two gallantry awardees of the 1971 war were also present.
While addressing the gathering, General Officer Commanding, ‘Airawat Division’ paid homage to all the soldiers who had fought and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation and thanked all the veterans present for their glorious sacrifice. He said that the Indian Army continues to move forward with its ethos of Honour, Valour and Tradition and is always prepared and ready to defend the nation and give a befitting reply to any adversary.
The Victory Flame was then handed over by the General Officer Commanding, Airawat Division to a Team of Nabha Military Station. Similar commemorative events will also be conducted there.
