Article Posted on : - Dec 16, 2009

Defence Minister A K Antony alongwith three Services Chiefs paying tributes to 1971 War Heroes at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate in New Delhi on Wedensday on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, being observed to mark India's victory in the war. Image Credit: PTI.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Armed forces Wednesday celebrated the 38th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Gallant soldiers of the 1971 Indo-Pak war were remembered and also India's historic victory over Pakistan.

Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during 1971 Indo-Pak war. The function was held was organised by AICC ex-Servicemen Cell at India Gate here.

"It is essential that we salute our heroes. We feel secure in our homes because of our armed forces and this is an occasion to remember their courage and sacrifice," Union Sports Minister M S Gill said.

Gallantry award winners and war-widows were felicitated on the occasion by Delhi MP Jai Prakash Agarwal.

Several politicians, ex-army men and citizens paid homage to the martyrs.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Union Ministers C P Joshi, M M Pallam Raju and Sachin Pilot also attended the function.

Vijay Diwas was celebrated in many parts of the country by the Indian armed forces.

Vijay Diwas is celebrated on December 16 every year, as on this day in 1971, India's armed forces registered a historic victory over Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation war.