Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Dec 16: Commemorating the victory of the Indian Army over Pakistan in 1971 that resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh, Vijay Diwas was observed by citizens at Kadri War memorial on Sunday, December 16 and tributes were paid to the martyrs on the occasion.

The ceremony was organised by DK District Ex-servicemen’s Association Mangaluru under the aegis of Lions Club international, Rotary international, NITTE education trust, District 317 D and Shashthavu Sri Bhoothanateshwara Temple trust.

Speaking on the occasion, former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik said, “This is a historical day commemorating Vijay Divas. Several soldiers lost their lives for our county. Soldiers are serving 24 hours, 365 days in conditions like minus 58 degrees and this should be inspiration for us in our day to day life.”

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said, “Is it enough to lay wreath once in a year? The minimum we can do is to celebrate and maintain from what we got from the sacrifices of the soldiers. We should think about their sacrifice and the reason behind it. There are several forces who divide us. We too are in war against forces who try to divide us.”

Superintendent of police Ravikante Gowda said, “We should remember the sacrifice of our soldiers. We should think in what way we can contribute to our country. Our country need protection not only from outside, but also need from within the borders.”

Chairman organising committee Capt Deepak Adyanthaya welcomed the gathering.

Police Commissioner T R Suresh, zilla panchayat CEO Dr Selvamani, MCC commissioner M Nazeer, district governor Lions district 317 D Lion K Devdas Bhandary, district governor RI district 3181 Rohinath Pade, president of District Ex-servicemen Association Vikram Dutta, general secretary A M Airan, treasurer Col Balakrishna N and others were present.