Indira Gandhi’s contribution to 1971 War Victory is unforgettable, says Minister Sunil Kedar
Pune : Policenama online – India’s first woman Prime Minister Indira Gandhi handled various issues patiently during the Indo-Pak War 1971. Indiraji and the Indian soldiers under the leadership of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw have made a major contribution in the Liberation of Bangladesh. Indiraji decided to put India on the growth path by using atomic power. At the same time, she warned the enemy country of not indulging in any misadventure. Indira Gandhi and Indian soldiers gave a new identity of a strong nation to Independent India. This contribution can never be forgotten, said State Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Sunil Kedar.
He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee called her ‘Durga’ for her role in the 1971 War.
Kedar was speaking at the felicitation of the brave soldiers, mothers and widows of the martyred jawans from the 1971 War to mark the Service-Duty-Sacrifice Week organized by the Indian National Congress (INC).
The programmes during the week are being held to celebrate Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s birthday. It is also being organised to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Year of India’s Victory in the 1971 War.
Organiser and former legislator Mohan Joshi, Congress city unit president Ramesh Bagwe, Pimpri Chinchwad Congress chief Kailas Kadam, MPCC office-bearers Virendra Kirad, Kamal Vyavahare, corporators Vinod Mathurawala, Lata Rajguru, Rafiq Shaikh, Shekhar Kapote, Prashant Surase, and Chetan Agrawal were present.
Sunil Kedar said, “The journey to a successful future becomes easier if one has a sound knowledge of history. India has been strengthened and is on the path of progress due to the contributions made by numerous brave soldiers. However, the new generation does not understand the significance of the Freedom Struggle. Therefore, one needs to narrate this history of valour to them. One gets inspired while talking to jawans and veterans. We should realize our responsibility and duty towards our country as a citizen. We should understand history and get inspired by our soldiers. We should study the history of our Freedom Struggle as well as the wars with China and Pakistan.”
In his introductory speech, Mohan Joshi said, “We feel proud to honour the martyred soldiers, their mothers and widows. We are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Indian soldiers’ bravery in the 1971 War.”
Col Sadanand Salunkhe and Col Sambhaji Patil recalled their experiences of the war. Lekha Nair compered while Chaitanya Purandare proposed a vote of thanks.
Among those who were honoured for their valour in the 1971 War were Col Sadanand Salukhe, Martyr Maj Dadkar’s widow Geeta Dadkar, Col Sambhaji Patil, Lt Col Suresh Shinde, Subedar Sampat Konde, IAF’s Ramchandra Shendge, Vitthal Bathe, Martyr Havildar Pralhad Dighe’s widow Laxmibai Dighe, Martyr Laxman Jadhav, Martyr Tulshiram Salunkhe’s widow Manglatai Salunkhe, Martyr Maruti Mane’s widow Smt Mane, and Govind Masalkar.
Martyr Saurabh Pharate’s widow Mangal Pharate, Martyr Shivaji Bhoite’s kin Swapna Bhoite and Maj Lekha Nair were also felicitated.
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