50th Year of 1971 War

Are wars good for humanity? Do we need it?

42 years ago, Ghumakkad then a Lieutenant in the Indian Navy, had 'dedicated' his Master's Dissertation on Naval War Gaming at IIT Kanpur to its 'own obsolescence'. Am reproducing the dedication below as it answers the opening questions:

"It is not pleasant to think that warfare is fundamental to the nature of man, and indeed it may not necessarily be so. However, through all recorded history we find this unfortunate trend. Perhaps, some day the present effort will become pointless/irrelevant i.e. when wars will no longer exist. In that light, this work is dedicated to its own obsolescence."

Independent India has witnessed many wars. 1971 war fought both in the eastern and western sectors, gave birth to a new nation Bangla Desh.

Swarnim Vijay Varsh स्वर्णिम विजय वर्ष - meaning the Golden Jubilee Year of the Victory- is being celebrated in India. The Prime Minister of India had flagged off four Victory Flames- Vijay Mashal विजय मशाल - from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on 16th Dec 2020. India had won the war on 16th Dec 1971. The Victory Flame is traversing the length and breadth of the country including the villages of PVC (Param Vir Chakra परम वीर चक्र ) and MVC (Maha Vir Chakra महा वीर चक्र ) gallantry awardees of the War. The Flame after visiting A&N Islands onboard a Naval ship and other towns in southern India by road, arrived in Secunderabad on 9th Sep 2021.

Naval units and Veterans of Secunderabad received the Flame with honour and reverence at a ceremony held at Navy House Secunderabad on 11th Sep 21. This story briefly recreates the solemn occasion. Naval children in station energised the audience with their inspiring performance. Naval band from the Eastern Naval Command, needless to add, brought nostalgia for all Veterans like me. The whole event was coordinated by Lt Cdr Akhila Somaraju a lady officer of Indian Navy. Hail the women of the world!

Glimpses of an unforgettable morning.

The Victory Flame was received with the dignity and reverence. See the short video clip below.

Naval war veterans were felicitated on the occasion. Though in their 70s and 80s, the josh in the veteran officers and sailors was visible. See the picture below.

The Naval Band enthralled us all with number of performances. Here is Indian Fleet March played that morning. In case you are unable to view the YouTube video, you may click this link.

The climax of the event was dance performances by Naval school children of Secunderabad. Drawn from different schools and age groups, the children reside in different locations in Secunderabad. It was admirable to see such excellent collaboration and coordination despite Covid restrictions. Am sharing three of their performances here. The first performance was based on Teri Mitti from the film Kesari. YouTube link is here.

In the next clip, the children enact 'How is the Josh' and other numbers. YouTube link is here.

They also gave an electric performance based on AR Rahman's famous song Jai Ho from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. YouTube link is here.

After their performances, I went backstage to congratulate the teachers and the students. They were a spirited lot as you can see in the picture below.

As mentioned in the beginning of the story, the whole program had been put together by a lady officer. Ghumakkad requested her for a picture.

As the Victory Flame moves on to cover the rest of the country, we once again salute the brave sons of India who laid down their lives during the 1971 War. All the four Victory Flames will converge at the War Memorial in New Delhi. The Prime Minister will formally receive the Flames on 16th Dec 2021 on completion of Swarnim Vijay Varsh. Proud of India, proud of our Armed Forces.

Jai Hind!

    - Harsh Bhargava-the-Ghumakkad and former Commodore, Indian Navy/ 18th Sep 2021/ Secunderabad

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