Swarnim Vijay Varsh Torch returns; bike stunts, cycle rally mark occasion

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 16

A Swarnim Vijay Varsh Torch, commemorating the victory of Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which started its journey on December 20, 2020, from New Delhi, returned to Jalandhar Military Station on Saturday after travelling across several states.

The Utsav began with Lieut Gen RP Singh, GOC, Western Command, accompanied by Lieut Gen C Bansi Ponnappa, GOC 11 Corps, laying a wreath at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay homage to the fallen heroes in remembrance of their sacrifices in the defence of the motherland.

The day was also marked with the flagging in of the Vajra Cycle Rally, which commenced from the Attari border and covered a total of 888 km over a period of 16 days. The cycle rally passed through historical battle sites in the states of Punjab, Haryana and J&K as a pilgrimage bearing testimony to the grit, valour and sacrifices of the fallen heroes which continues to inspire the future generations in the Indian Army. The cycle rally was flagged in at the Katoch stadium by Lt Gen RP Singh. The GOC complimented the team members for their motivation and spirit in undertaking the ride as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the nation.

To mark the occasion, certain welfare initiatives for veterans and their families to include Sainik Aramgrah, Nari Awas and Vajra Nature Park were inaugurated by Lt Gen RP Singh and Alka Singh, president, AWWA Western Command. The day also witnessed a painting competition and an equipment display organised to enhance the spirit of patriotism among the youth and children of Jalandhar.

Lt Gen RP Singh was also the Chief Guest at the Martial Art and Cultural displays, which included malkhamb, khukri dance, kalari payattu, fire lezim, bhangra and gatka. A spellbound motorcycle display by renowned daredevils’ team from the Corps of Signals, followed by a live depiction of the famous Battles of Dera Baba Nanak and Sehjra highlighting the valour and supreme sacrifice of our Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo-Pak War raised the spirits of all. The high point of the event was a musical extravaganza by the pipe bands of the Indian Army and the Naval Symphony Band.

Lt Gen RP Singh interacted and felicitated veterans and veer naris hailing from Jalandhar, Amritsar, Beas, Ludhiana and nearby areas, who played a major role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Senior officials of the civil administration, police, other agencies and civil society were also present. Veterans, soldiers with their families and school children attended in large numbers.