Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Dec 16: On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, commemorating India's military victory over Pakistan in 1971 that resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh, the citizens on Saturday December 16, gathered at the War Memorial in Kadri Park here and paid homage to the martyrs of the war.

Deputy commissioner S Sasikanth Senthil, police commissioner T.R Suresh, group commander, NCC, Col Anil Nautyal, superintendent of police Sudheer Kumar Reddy, ZP CEO Dr K.R Ravi, and Lions governor K Devdas Bhandary were the guests of honour.

Sasikanth Senthil speaking on the occasion said, "Thousands of families lost their members in the war of 1971. Our many brave soldiers were wounded. It is our duty to convey our gratitude to them and their families,”

“Some hatred powers and forces have declared war against our integrity and unity these days. They are disturbing the freedom of individual. They are trying to break our country in the name of religion and caste. We should fight against these forces. We should never allow them to rule our society. District administration is always with our citizens to ensure their safety and freedom,” he added.

In his speech, TR Suresh, said, "Celebration of Vijay Diwas is a best tribute to our soldiers who were martyred in wars. By these types of programmes we can show our gratitude to the soldiers and their families. Besides this, such programmes are very helpful to young people and students. They will get knowledge about Indian armed forces and their patriotism. It will attract them to join to our armed forces,”

The 'Vijay Diwas' commemoration ceremony was organized by the Dakshina Kannada Ex-Servicemen's Association, Mangaluru under the aegis of Shastavu Sri Bhoothanatheshvara Temple Trust and Lions Clubs International, District 317 D.