VICTORY FLAME ARRIVES AT LAUNGEWALA, 1971 INDIA-PAK WAR BATTLEGROUND

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s glorious victory in the 1971 war, the year 2021 is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ by the Indian Armed Forces. The Swarnim Vijay Mashal symbolises the supreme valour and sacrifice of the immortal soldiers who fought for the motherland in the finest traditions of the Indian Army in the 1971 war. The Western Cardinal Victory Flame has reached Laungewala, where it was received by Surinder Kaur Chandpuri, wife of Late Brig Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, Mahavir Chakra, Vishisht Seva Medal at the Laungewala War Memorial.

Lieutenant General PS Minhas, General Officer Commanding, Konark Corps laid a wreath in honour of all the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice while fighting gallantly for the motherland in the 1971 operations at Laungewala. Lieutenant General PS Minhas, General Officer Commanding, Konark Corps and Late Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri Mahavir Chakra, Vishisht Seva Medal both belong to the same village. Lieutenant General PS Minhas and Surinder Kaur Chandpuri collected soil from the Laungewala Yudh Sthal, the very spot where (then Major) Late Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, on 5 Dec 1971 while commanding a company of 23 Punjab thwarted the Pakistani attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and forced them to retreat. The Victory Flame will be taken along the BharatMala to include Tanot and SAM in the coming days and Munabao for its onward journey, as it continues to inspire future generations and kindle patriotic fervour.

SVV VICTORY FLAME REACHES SHERGARH, LATE BRIGADIER UDAI SINGH BHATI’S HOMETOWN

The Victory Flame reached Jodhpur and after getting honoured at various places in Jodhpur, has travelled to Garha, Shergarh, the house of Late Brigadier Udai Singh Bhati, Mahavir Chakra. Lieutenant General PS Minhas, GOC Konark Corps, laid a wreath to honour the Late War Hero and Aruna Minhas, Zonal President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) felicitated the next-of-kins.

The General Officer while remembering the brave-heart, mentioned that Late Brigadier Udai Singh Bhati, Mahavir Chakra led three companies of the Ladakh Scouts to capture the Turtuk stronghold of the enemy in Kargil Sector in the 1971 War. In a bitter battle that lasted ten days, in subzero temperature, at heights of above 18000 feet, the brave (then) Colonel Udai Singh Bhati inspired his troops with selfless courage and accomplished the mission assigned to him. He was awarded the prestigious Mahavir Chakra for his gallant act.

The soil collected from the home of the braveheart will be honourably taken to National War Memorial at New Delhi for tree plantation. The Victory Flame will now depart to Jaisalmer after this event and then further to Laungewala.