New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will light up the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ on December 16, to begin the 50th anniversary celebrations of Indo-Pak War, an official statement said here on Tuesday.

In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic victory over Pakistan Army, which led to the creation of a new nation – Bangladesh and also resulted in the largest Military Surrender, after the World War-II.

From December 16, the Nation will be celebrating 50 years of Indo-Pak war, also called ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. Various commemorative events are planned across the nation.

The inaugural event will be held at the National War Memorial (NWM) in New Delhi on Wednesday which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Tri-Service Chiefs will lay wreath and pay homage to the fallen soldiers and Mr Modi will light up the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ from the eternal flame of NWM on the occasion.

Four Victory Mashaals (flames) will be lit from the Eternal Flame of NWM. These Mashaals will be carried to various parts of the country, including to villages of Param Vir Chakra and MahaVir Chakra Awardees of the 1971 War.

Soil from the villages of these Awardees and from areas where major battles were fought in 1971, are being brought to the NWM.

Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India, wherein war Veterans and Veer Naris will be felicitated and events like band displays, seminars, exhibitions, equipment displays, film festivals, conclave and adventure activities are planned.

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shripad Yesso Naik and other senior civil and military officials of the Ministry of Defence will also be present on the occasion.

UNI AKS RJ 2136