by: Nav Jeevan

Parakram Diwas celebrated in Rajasthan to mark 51st anniversary of epic Laungewala battle

  • Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, GOC, Konark Corps lays wreath as a mark of respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Laungewala
  • The General Officer dedicates the Ran Bhoomi Shraddhanjali Yatra and inaugurates the facility of E-Shraddhanjali
  • The project will benefit micro economics of the border villages, development of border area and create ample job opportunities for the locals.

NE NEWS SERVICE

AHMEDABAD, DEC 6

To mark the 51st anniversary of India’s victory in the epic Laungewala battle during the 1971 war, Parakram Diwas was celebrated at Jaisalmer Military Station and Laungewala War Memorial in Rajasthan on Monday, December 5.

The event saw huge attendance of civil and military personnel, including BSF and Air Force, general public, NCC cadets and school students.

At Laungewala, Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, GOC, Konark Corps laid wreath in the morning as a mark of respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Laungewala on this day in 1971.

Thereafter, the General Officer dedicated the Ran Bhoomi Shraddhanjali Yatra and inaugurated the facility of E-Shraddhanjali –  a unique kiosk wherein general public will be able to offer floral tributes to the fallen heroes at the touch of a button.

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, GOC, Konark Corps dedicates the Ran Bhoomi Shraddhanjali Yatra and inaugurates the facility of E-Shraddhanjali at Laungewala on Monday.-NE photo

This Ran Bhoomi Shradhanjali Yatra is a joint venture of the Indian Army, Military Veterans, Tourist Operators and Tourism Department of Govt of Rajasthan. It provides an unique opportunity for the citizens of India to visit the famous battle grounds in the deserts of Rajasthan and pay homage to the valour, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of Indian Armed Forces in the famous battles fought in this sector. The tales of bravery will be narrated by the veterans who have participated in the operations.

The project will benefit micro economics of the border villages, development of border area and create ample job opportunities for the locals.

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, GOC, Konark Corps lays wreath as a mark of respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Battle of Laungewala at Laungewala on Monday.-NE photo

Appreciating the unique initiative conceptualised by the Army, the Govt of Rajasthan agreed to undertake an MoU with Army to maintain the Laungewala War Memorial on regular basis and create public amenities at these locations.

Subsequently, at Jaisalmer Military Station, as part of the events, there was a weapon and equipment display showcasing the Future Readiness of Indian Army like indigenous tanks, artillery guns and modern equipment. The audience was left spell bound by the performances of Mixed Martial Arts Team consisting of Malkhamb, Kalaripayattu & Gatka followed by Daredevils Motorcycle team of the Indian Army. A musical extravaganza by the name of ‘Call of the Desert’ was an added attraction. The military band played martial music infusing josh in the environment as the school children and NCC Cadets also put up their best performances. A team of paratroopers performed parachute jumps from the army helicopter, to a huge applause from all.

Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor also interacted with the Veer Naris and Veterans including the ones who participated in the historic battle of Laungewala. Video messages of War Veterans who could not attend the function in Jaisalmer, were played wherein they gave out their experiences of the war. The programme concluded with the National Anthem and the resounding chant of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.

The Longewala battle between India and Pakistan in 1971 was one of the biggest and most decisive battles, which is registered in the Golden words in History.