Vijay Diwas Day

Vijay Diwas, a proud moment in the history of India celebrates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in ‘Operation: Vijay’. Operation Vijay was against the Pakistani troops that launched an unprovoked attack on 11 Indian airfields on December 3, 1971.

While the animosity between India and Pakistan is well known since the partition of 1947, the harassment of Non-muslims in West Pakistan is what led to India’s involvement in the war of 1971. This war that ended on December 16, 1971, saw the formation of a new country: Bangladesh. India’s victory was marked by the surrender of nearly 93 thousand Pakistani soldiers and alteration of the boundaries of the world map.

Vijay Diwas is a big day for our country as it is a tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

• Indian Army’s first conclusive win after the end of World War 2.
• It is also quite a big day for Bangladesh, as it earned status as an independent entity. The day is celebrated in Bangladesh as ‘Bijoy Dibos.’
• Lasting just about 13 days, the 1971 war is among the shortest in history.

The only female Prime Minister in India’s history - Indira Gandhi was in power during this war.