Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations at Pune University

In a series of month-long commemorative events being organised under the aegis of the Indian Army in Pune, the Victory Flame reached the reputed Pune University on 14 October 2021. The reception of Victory Flame was celebrated with great fervour by the staff and student body of the University.  Lieutenant General Arvind Walia Chief of Staff, Headquarter Southern Command and Professor (Doctor) Nitin Karmalkar, Vice-Chancellor of Pune University received the Victory Flame. The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of award winners of the 1971 War, including Brig PSS Rajan, M in D, Cmde Bhagwat Bipin Chandra Bhaskar VrC, IN and Veer Naris Mrs Nanda Natu Wife of Cmde Jayasheel Vishawanath Natu, NM and Smt Kalawati wife of Sepoy Masakar Govind Shankarao.

The environment in the University was filled with nationalism when the Victory Flame was relayed to Dhyaneshwar Hall by a human chain made by teaching staff and student body.  The scintillating cultural program presented by the student body displayed their gratitude towards the Indian Army.  Lieutenant General Arvind Walia, Chief of Staff, Headquarter Southern Command during his address to the gathering paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country and conveyed gratitude to the veterans of the 1971 War.  The Vice-Chancellor then felicitated the gallantry awardees and Veer Naris of the 1971 War.