Vijay Diwas is observed every year on December 16 as a mark of victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war that also led to the creation of Bangladesh.
The Indo-Pak war of 1971 was a defining moment in the history of the subcontinent, resulting in Bangladesh becoming independent. This established the progress of the Indian Armed Forces including the Army, Air Force and Navy. The war started on 3 December 1971, when the struggle for independence was going on in East Pakistan. The war ended 13 days later on 16 December with the surrender of the Pakistani Army. Since then, this day has been celebrated as Vijay Diwas in India.
Field Marshal Manekshaw:
Vijay Diwas is a day to remember the great soldier of India, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who led India to victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. "You surrender or we wipe you out." was the message given by Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw to Pakistan on December 13, 1971. Field Marshal Manekshaw was as a fearless patriot revered as the country's best-known soldier. When former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had asked him if he was ready to go to war with Pakistan over Bangladesh in 1971, he reportedly replied, "I am always ready, sweetie." Field Marshal Manekshaw's distinguished military career spanned four decades, in which he participated in five wars, including the India-Pak War of 1971. Born as Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw (1914-2008), he was lovingly known as 'Sam Bahadur
Jaihind!!!