EASTERN COMMAND PAYS A SOLEMN AND MOVING TRIBUTE TO WAR HEROES ON VIJAY DIWAS WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT VIJAY DURG
Kolkata, 16 December 2025:
On the solemn and momentous occasion of Vijay Diwas 2025, Eastern Command organised a remembered and dignified wreath-laying ceremony at Vijay Durg, Kolkata, to honour the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the noble cause of the Liberation of Bangladesh.
The ceremony was imbued with reverence and gratitude, serving as a poignant reminder of the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War and the enduring bonds of friendship forged between India and Bangladesh through shared sacrifice.
The august gathering witnessed the presence of a distinguished delegation from Bangladesh, 1971 War Veterans, Gallantry Awardees, serving personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, veterans, and eminent civil dignitaries, lending the occasion exceptional gravitas and significance.
Wreaths were laid by an illustrious line-up of dignitaries, including Major General Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area; Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command; Brigadier General Md Lutfor Rahman, PSC, PhD, representing the Bangladesh military delegation; and Mr Md Habibul Alam, Bir Protik and senior-most member of Jatiya Mukti Joddha of Bangladesh.
They were joined by Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command; Lieutenant General Gurbaksh Singh Sihota, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd); Lieutenant General J. R. Mukherjee, AVSM, VSM (Retd),Lieutenant General R. C. Tiwari, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command and General (Dr) V. K. Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram.
The ceremony culminated with the laying of the final wreath by Dr C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal in a deeply moving moment underscored by a poignant flower-petal drop carried out by Army Aviation helicopters, symbolising eternal remembrance and honour.
Addressing the gathering, Dr C. V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, expressed profound gratitude to the bravehearts and veterans of both nations. He underscored their immense sacrifice, valour and unwavering resolve, which gave voice to the aspirations of millions and culminated in the birth of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh. He further highlighted India’s pivotal and principled role as the first nation to recognise Bangladesh, laying the foundation for enduring bilateral relations anchored in mutual respect, trust and cooperation.
The ceremony held special resonance for Eastern Command, which played a decisive and historic role during the 1971 War. The observance of Vijay Diwas continues to occupy a place of deep reverence in the Command’s legacy, reaffirming its proud tradition of courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the nation.
