On Vijay Diwas, Know Lesser Known Facts About 1971 India-Pakistan War

Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on December 16 to remember India’s Victory over Pakistan in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This day recalls the bravery and might of Indian Soldiers who fought with courage and defeated Pakistan in the war. On this day, Bangladesh as a country was born as well. On the occasion of 48th Vijay Diwas, India is celebrating this remarkable win over Pakistan with alacrity and also pays homage to Indian soldiers who were martyred.  

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi took to his twitter and tweeted that he salutes the courage and might of Indian Soldiers.

विजय दिवस पर भारतीय सैनिकों के साहस, शौर्य और पराक्रम को नमन करता हूं। 1971 में आज के दिन हमारी सेना ने जो इतिहास रचा, वह सदा स्वर्णाक्षरों में अंकित रहेगा।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2019

Here are the five important facts on Vijay Diwas:  

The Indo-Pak 1971 war was fought for 13 days where the chief of the Pakistani forces, General AA Khan Niazi with its 93,000 soldiers surrendered before India.  

It was the Indian Army’s one of the biggest victories over Pakistan that brought Pakistani Army to its knees.  

The 1971 war where India defeated Pakistan is remembered as one of the defining moments in the Indian History.  

Vijay Diwas is also celebrated to pay tribute and respect to the sacrifices of the soldiers of the Indian Army who gave India Victory in this historic war. Thousands of Indian Soldiers were martyred and thousands of them were wounded in the war.  

Major General (then Major) Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM, Gorkha Rifles was one of the wounded men who had to amputate his own leg with his khukri after he stepped on a landmine. He continued his service and went to become the officer of the Indian army.