Ajay Kumar Upadhyay
Bilaspur: Fifty-five (55th) Vijay Diwas, commemorating India’s historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, was observed with deep reverence and national pride at the Veer Balidani Memorial Complex, Changar. The solemn and emotionally charged programme was organised by the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Committee, Himachal Pradesh, paying heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.
District and Sessions Judge Bilaspur, Jyotsna Sumant Dadwal, attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while SDM Bilaspur Sadar Dr Rajdeep Singh Khera was present as the guest of honour. Both dignitaries paid floral tributes at the martyrs’ memorial, saluting the supreme sacrifice, courage and patriotism of the fallen heroes.
The occasion was further dignified by the presence of distinguished veterans including Brigadier Jagdish Singh Verma, Colonel Jitendra Chandel, Colonel Upendra Chandel and Captain Ram Nath Sharma, all recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal. A large number of ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, members of armed forces families and local citizens participated, creating an atmosphere charged with patriotism and gratitude.
A major highlight of the programme was the formal installation of sacred soil collected from various battlefields of India at the Changar Veer Balidani Memorial. The soil, symbolising the sacrifices made during the wars of 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999, was brought to Bilaspur in a grand procession led by the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Committee. The procession began from Badgaon Chowk and passed through key locations of the district before concluding at the memorial complex.
State President Captain Amar Nath Dhiman and Chairman Captain Sanjay Kumar stated that this historic initiative aims to preserve the legacy of India’s military victories and instil a spirit of patriotism among future generations. The urns were installed with full religious rites, followed by a prayer ceremony that left the gathering visibly moved.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to honour the martyrs and uphold the values for which they fought, making Vijay Diwas a truly memorable and inspiring occasion in Bilaspur.