The Golden Jubilee celebrations to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 war commenced in December last year. Four Victory Flames were lit from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial and one each is being carried to the four cardinal directions through the cities and villages of the 1971 war veterans and _Veer naris_ (war widows). The Victory Flame of the Southern Direction reached INS Kattabomman yesterday. Station Commander, Captain Aashish K Sharma along with defence personnel and families, dignitaries from Civil Administration and veterans received the Flame with a ceremonial guard of honour. Wreath laying and two minutes silence was observed by the attendees to pay homage to the sacrifices made by our veterans. The visiting veterans were felicitated by the Naval community at Kattabomman. A small cultural event was also conducted by ladies and children of the station in honour of the war heroes symbolising the 1971 victory. The event was organized by adhering to all Covid protocols.
The Victory Flame will also be taken to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of peninsular India wherein veterans will be invited and honoured by the unit in the presence of district civil administration. It is also planned to take the ‘Victory Flame’ to Tirunelveli to the houses of 1971 war heroes, late Sepoy Kasimani and late Naik Sangili Chelliah, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 war and the Veer naris will be felicitated by the personnel from Kattabomman. Today, the Victory Flame will depart from INS Kattabomman and will pass through Tuticorin District. The Victory Flame will be received by the Coast Guard in the presence of NCC Cadets and dignitaries from the Civil Administration. Thereafter the Flame will be handed over to INS Parundu on its way towards Madurai.