Red Shield Division welcomes 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' to Manipur; Governor pays homage to martyrs of 1971 War

IMPHAL, Oct 14 (PIB/DIPR)
‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’, or the ‘Victory Flame’ that symbolises India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971 war, was welcomed to Manipur by the General Officer Commanding Red Shield Division, Maj Gen Naveen Sachdeva in presence of the Governor of Manipur La. Ganeshan today.
The celebration of 50 years of the victory “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on  December 16, 2020. Four victory flames or Swarnim Vijay Mashaal lit from the eternal flame at National War Memorial since then has been travelling across the length and breadth of the country.
The victory flame arrived in Manipur and will be at Leimakhong Military Garrison till October 18, 2021 before its departure for other North Eastern States.  
The victory flame has been sent to four cardinal directions of the country and will converge back at New Delhi in December 2021.
After receiving the Victory Flame, Homage was paid to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty by laying floral wreaths at Shati Van (War Memorial) by the Governor of Manipur La. Ganesan, Lt Gen (Retd) KH Singh, Lt Gen (retd) LN Singh and Maj Gen Naveen Sachdeva.
A sapling was also planted by the Governor as a tribute to all the martyrs of 1971 war.
The Governor was also briefed about the glorious history of 57 Mountain Division in the 1971 War at the Red Shields Archive Gallery.
Later during a commemorative event the Governor felicitated 1971 war veterans including kin of Lance Naik Albert Ekka, PVC of 14 Guards, the only Param Vir Chakra awardee of 1971 war, Capt Surjit Singh Veer Chakra, Lt Col RS Jaswal, War veteran of 1971 and also met 1971 war veteran Maj KB Singh.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Governor  La. Ganesan said that in the 1971 war, one of the shortest wars in history lasting only 13 days, the Indian Army secured a decisive and historic victory over the Pakistan Army which led to the creation of a new nation ‘Bangladesh’. He further said that the victory of India in the 1971 war has immensely raised the stature of India amongst the other countries.
He also conveyed highest regards for the war veterans and appealed to the youths to take inspiration and contribute to Nation building. He expressed his highest regards for the officers and all ranks of the Indian Army.
Speaking during the occasion Maj Gen Navin Sachdeva, SM, GOC Red Shield Division said that Warfare is evolving and is likely to be technology driven. However the 'Unyielding will' of the soldier and the dedication of professional military leaders will always be a battle winning factor.
The programme was also attended by all ranks and families of the force.