Memories of India’s golden victory come home

The nation is celebrating the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate 50 years of the iconic victory achieved by the Indian Armed Forces in the India-Pakistan 1971 war.  It is an occasion to remember and salute the spirit of unimaginable sacrifice and fortitude displayed by our soldiers.

As a part of the year-long celebrations, four victory flames were lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National War Memorial on Vijay Divas, December 16, 2020. These victory flames (Swarnim Vijay Mashaals) are being carried across the length and breadth of the nation, signifying the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers, who were instrumental in the historic victory. The victory flames have been sent to the four directions of the country and will converge once again in New Delhi in December 2021.

One of the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ torches was brought to the Jalandhar Cantonment. Students of Apeejay School Model Town, Jalandhar had the rare opportunity to witness the grand celebrations of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh.

The celebrations included a magnificent display by the valiant soldiers of our Armed Forces. The soldiers displayed many iconic tableaus and formations such as the Indian military pipe band, Gatka martial arts by the Sikh regiment, Mallakhamb wrestling formations by the Maratha regiment, Khukri dance performance by the Gorkha regiment, followed by the signature motorcycle acrobatic tableaus and a Bhangra dance performance.

Social Science teacher and academic coordinator, Ms Maninder Kaur said, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. So my students have learnt that patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

The students were awestruck with the precision and perfection of the performances. The tableaus left them mesmerised.

Simarbir Kaur, class 6 student stated, “I liked the motorbike tableaus the most. The soldiers showed such balance, patience and dedication. All the performances were very nice. I learned a lot about the disciplined life of soldiers. To stay disciplined, one must try new things and never say no to learn something new.”

Exclaimed Pranaya Khera, class 6 student and head girl of the school, “I loved the Bhangra performances the most because I am a Bhangra lover! My friends loved the Gatka martial arts performed by the Sikh regiment. While watching the entire event, I was feeling so proud to be an Indian. It was a very rare opportunity for us students to view this event.”

All the students went home with a spirit of reverence and pride towards the valiant Indian armed forces.

“The celebration was an effort made to recognise and honour the valour, bravery and sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the Indian armed forces in the 1971 war and an opportunity to rejoice as well as celebrate the occasion throughout the country with full fervour. Embracing a leadership role involves developing all aspects of yourself. Your character, your competence and action. The ideal man of the future will be the ideal soldier, and the ideal soldier is one who is as far superior in mind and soul as he is superior in body.”

-Sinia Sajith, Principal, Apeejay School, Model Town