Air Force Station Rajasansi celebrates “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” to Commemorate 50 Years of 1971 Indo-Pak War

Amritsar, March 16 (Punjab Post Burea) – In 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic victory over Pakistani Armed Forces which led to the creation of a new nation: Bangladesh. The war culminated in the largest military surrender after World War-lI. From 16 December 2020, the nation is celebrating 50 years of victory in the Indo- Pak war, aptly named “Swarnim Vijav Varsh” Various commemorative events are planned across the nation during the entire year, Air Force Station, Rajasansi is an important forward base of Indian Air Force due to its strategic location near the international border. The base was one of the most active bases in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War with continuous operations undertaken from the airfield.  Pakistan Air Force continued targeting the base but could not achieve any significant effect and the base remained operationally active throughout the duration of the war.  

                  As part of the “Swarnim Vijay Varsh”, an event to pay homage to the martyred air warriors was held at the Station War Memorial & Museum at the base today.  The “Swarnim Mashaal” was received by Group Captain Shirish Dhakate, Base Commander, Air Force Station Rajasansi and placed at the War Memorial.  Wreath laying was carried out by the Base Commander and Veterans with due military honours.  Two minutes silence was observed during the wreath laying ceremony to mark respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.  Personnel from the three services also paid homage at the Station War Memorial.  A video montage on the role of Air Force Station, Rajasansi during the 1971 War was screened for all the participants attending the event. Veterans shared their experiences of the war with the attendees, which were highly motivational, especially for the NCC cadets. A vote of thanks was presented by the Base Commander. He emphasised on the need to learn lessons from history and stressed on maintaining the highest operational readiness and vigil at all times.  The event concluded with a high tea, which was followed by the departure of the “Swarnim Mashaal” to its next destination. The Swarnim Mashaal was handed over back to the Mashaal contingent by the Base Commander and the senior most veteran.