Ceremonial reception of victory flame at Vadodara

As part of celebrations of 50 years of India's triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 War, the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame was received with tremendous fervor & full military honour by Station Commander Vadodara Military Station alongwith war veterans.

For the year long celebrations, four Victory Flames were lit at the National War Memorial on December 16, 2020 which were sent to four cardinal directions of the nation. These Victory Flames were flagged off with an aim to showcase the Nation's gratitude for the brave sons of India who took part in the 1971 War.

One of these Victory Flames reached Vadodara after six days stay at Anmedabad. A ceremonial reception including a wreath laying ceremony was organised at the War Memorial of Samba Regiment at Lancer Lines, Vadodara.

Brave gunners of the Samba Regiment proved their mettle in Samba Sector on 07 Dec 1971. While being attacked heavily by enemy aircrafts on the day, the Air Defence warriors of the Samba Regiment inflicted heavy damage to the enemy and brought down 11 enemy aircrafts. The unit was awarded with 'Samba Honour. Title' for the brave act. Lance Havildar Bal Bahadur and Gunner Bhadreshwar Pathak '(posthumously) were awarded Veer Chakras for their gallant act.

During the reception ceremony, 1971 War Veterans, Senior Serving Officers and Jawans of Vadodara Military Station paid tribute to the Victory Flame. A series of events and programmes have been planned to recognise the acts of valour of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War during the Victory Flame's stay in Vadodara.