Vijay Diwas, also known as Victory Day, is a significant day in the history of India and Bangladesh. It commemorates a momentous victory that reshaped the map of South Asia. On December 16 each year, India celebrates its military triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war, a conflict that led to the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This day not only symbolizes a military success but also the birth of a new country and the end of years of struggle for the people of what was then East Pakistan.
The Historical Context of Vijay Diwas
The origins of Vijay Diwas can be traced back to the political and social unrest in Pakistan during the 1960s and early 1970s. The erstwhile Pakistan was composed of West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), separated by about 1,600 kilometers of Indian territory. The people of East Pakistan felt marginalized and discriminated against by the ruling authorities in West Pakistan, which led to widespread discontent and calls for autonomy.
The situation escalated when the Awami League, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide victory in the 1970 elections in Pakistan. The refusal of the ruling junta in West Pakistan to transfer power to the Awami League sparked civil unrest, leading to a brutal crackdown known as Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971. This military action aimed at suppressing the Bengali nationalist movement resulted in widespread atrocities and triggered a massive refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring India.
India’s Role in the 1971 War
As the humanitarian crisis unfolded, India found itself hosting a vast number of refugees and facing a potential regional destabilization. In response to the escalating violence in East Pakistan and the refugee influx, India extended its support to the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi liberation forces, and eventually intervened militarily.
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 commenced on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched preemptive air strikes on Indian airfields. India quickly responded, and its armed forces executed a well-coordinated campaign on both the eastern and western fronts. The war saw intense ground battles, air raids, and naval engagements.
The Creation of Bangladesh
The conflict reached its climax when the Indian Army, supported by the Mukti Bahini, surrounded Dhaka, the capital of East Pakistan. After a short but intense battle, the Pakistani forces, overwhelmed and unable to sustain their positions, surrendered on December 16, 1971. The surrender was formalized at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, where 93,000 Pakistani troops laid down their arms before the Indian military and the Mukti Bahini.
This decisive victory led to the dismemberment of Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was released from imprisonment in West Pakistan and returned to lead the new country.
Celebrations of Vijay Diwas in India
In India, Vijay Diwas is celebrated with great fervor and patriotic zeal. The day is marked by homage and tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at war memorials across the country, including the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi. Veterans and serving members of the Indian Armed Forces remember their fallen comrades and recount tales of valor and sacrifice.
Cultural programs, exhibitions, and public speeches highlight the significance of the day. Schools and educational institutions often organize events to educate the younger generation about the historical importance of the 1971 war and the role it played in shaping contemporary South Asia.
Vijay Diwas in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, December 16 is observed as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ or Bangladesh Liberation Day. This day is a national holiday, commemorated with similar respect and reverence as in India. Bangladeshis pay tribute to their national heroes and the sacrifices made by countless individuals for their nation’s independence. The day is filled with parades, cultural festivities, and remembrance ceremonies that reflect the joy of freedom and the solemnity of remembrance.
The legacy of Vijay Diwas goes beyond the celebration of a military victory; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression and the universal desire for self-determination and liberty.