Bengaluru, Feb 27, 2021
As a part of the ongoing ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ 2021 commemorative events, Air Force Station Jalahalli organised felicitation of 1971 war heroes and their next of kin in Bengaluru today. The Victory Flame lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16th December 2020, was received at Air Force Station Jalahalli by Group Capt SA Varghese, Station Commander.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, presented souvenirs to the war heroes and their next of kin.
Air Marshal RD Mathur, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Headquarters, Training Command, IAF, addressed the gathering and called attention to the gallantry of the war heroes during 1971 war exhorting the present generation of Air Warriors to emulate the highest standards of professional excellence. The ceremony was attended by Air Marshal HB Rajaram, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Air Marshal SP Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VM (Retd.), Air Vice Marshal PJ Walia Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration Headquarters Training Command and other distinguished guests and air veterans. Gallantry award winner of 1971 war Wing Commander Aspari Raghunath, Vir Chakra was felicitated during the ceremony.
As a mark of gratitude to the war veterans, soil was collected from their residences and this will be used for tree plantation at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
During the ceremony, a live band show by Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra, performances by dance troupes and screening of documentaries on 1971 war heroes were organised filling the arena with feelings of patriotism.
The Victory Torch travelling across the length and breadth of the country will be handed over to the team of Army Pioneer Corps Training Centre, Bangalore for its onward journey of commemoration.
