Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 21 August 2021
Victory Flame commemorating ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, 50th anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 war which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh, reached Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island today. Great Nicobar Island is India’s Southernmost Frontier.
154 INF BN (TA) Bihar organised a ceremony to pay tributes to those brave Indian Soldiers who lost their lives in the service of the nation during the 1971 War, as well as to pay their respects to the veterans who participated in the war and helped India liberate Bangladesh from Pakistan.
The ceremony organised by 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar saw participation of Ex-Servicemen, students, teachers, police personnel and the officers and soldiers of the battalion.
Lt. Col Atul Mehta , Commanding Officer (In-charge), 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar, Campbell Bay laid wreath to pay his tributes. Mr. Murath Singh Rawat, Ex-Serviceman Settler of Great Nicobar Island also laid wreath on behalf of all Ex-Servicemen and Settlers of Great Nicobar Island.
Earlier, similar function was organised at INS Baaz where the Commander of INS Baaz along with Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay and SDPO, Campbell Bay laid wreath to pay their tributes.
The ceremony by 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar was organised at Laxman Beach and was well organised and executed. The Ex-Servicemen were specially invited for the ceremony and the officers and soldiers took great care of their comfort. Many old aged Ex-Servicemen participated in the function and the soldiers were seen carrying them in their arms, supporting them physically to help them reach the venue.
Capt. Varun Ghai of 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar, Campbell Bay was also present during the function.
Earlier a rally was organised to bring the ‘Victory Flame’ from INS Baaz to Laxman Beach. The rally saw participation of Jawans of 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar along with convoy of vehicles of the army and the local police. The rally passed through Zero Point the heart of Campbell Bay to reach Laxman Beach under Army Land, Campbell Bay.
Patriotism ran throughout the venue at Laxman Beach and the school students were explained the significance of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh.
During the ceremony at Laxman Beach the officers, soldiers of 154 INF BN (TA) Bihar, Campbell Bay along with students, Ex-Servicemen, Police Personnel stood in the formation of SVV signifying ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ and ANC signifying ‘Andaman Nicobar Command’ which is India’s first and only tri-service theatre command of Indian Armed Forces.
Victory Flame (Swarnim Vijay Mashaal) will be taken to India’s Southernmost Tip ‘Indira Point’ tomorrow.
The ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ celebrations began with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi lighting the Victory Flame on December 16, 2020. The Victory Flame was lit from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial, signifying the bravery of the soldiers of the war. Since then, the Victory Flame is travelling across the length and breadth of India and a large number of commemorative events are being conducted during its journey.