Bhubaneswar: Fifty years after the historic Indo-Pakistan war in 1971, memories are still fresh in the minds of people like Honorary Captain Trilochan Biswal of Odisha. “The role of my team was small, but critical for our victory,” recalled Captain Biswal.
He was posted at the Tura border in Assam from December 3 to 16, 1971, and actively took part in the aggression during the Bangladesh liberation war.
The tales of what he saw and experienced did not fade with time. The veteran was actively involved during all the three aggressions namely 1962 with China, 1965 with Pakistan and 1971 again with Pakistan to ensure freedom for Bangladesh.
Biswal, who joined Indian Army in 1962 and retired from defence services in 1992, is now settled in Jaraka town in Jajpur district. He is currently involved in various social activities relating to the public health system, education and cultural activities.
Notably, the Indian Army is observing 2021 as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory.
The Odisha chapter of the war veterans’ commemoration event was held at the Governor’s House on Saturday with 154 people being felicitated at the function.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off the celebration by lighting four Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the eternal flame at National War Memorial, New Delhi, on December 16, 2020.
These Swarnim Vijay Mashaal have been sent to all four directions of the country to spread the message of India’s victory and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of the country. After completing the countrywide journey, the ‘Victory Flame’ will converge back at New Delhi on December 16, 2021.
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