Munish Sood
MANDI: A quiet but powerful gesture by Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan became the defining moment of the 54th Vijay Diwas commemorations at the Shaheed Smarak near Indira Market on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) as he chose to sit in the second row to emphasise that Veer Naris must take precedence over officials at such solemn events.
The programme, held to mark victory in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was jointly organised by the district administration, District Sainik Welfare Department, District Ex-Servicemen League and the Defence Women Welfare Association. Floral tributes were offered at the memorial by Veer Naris, ex-servicemen, senior defence officers, administrative officials and local residents, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of the fallen soldiers.
Veer Naris should be chief guests, says DC
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said families of martyrs deserve the highest honour at commemorative functions as they have borne the nation’s greatest sacrifice. To reinforce this belief, Devgan consciously avoided occupying a front-row seat, conveying that protocol should reflect gratitude rather than hierarchy.
He said the peace, security and development enjoyed by the country today are the direct result of sacrifices made by soldiers and their families. Devgan recalled that 21 soldiers from Mandi district were martyred in the 1971 war and said their bravery continues to inspire future generations. On behalf of the district administration and local residents, he expressed gratitude to the armed forces, ex-servicemen and their families.
During the ceremony, the district administration honoured Veer Naris of soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 conflict, acknowledging their resilience and lifelong contribution to the nation. The event was marked by a solemn atmosphere, with participants paying homage to the martyrs at the Shaheed Smarak.
Providing historical perspective, Lt Col Gopal Guleria (Retd), deputy director of the District Sainik Welfare Department, said December 16 marked 54 years of India’s decisive victory in the 1971 war.
He noted that the conflict, fought between December 3 and December 16, ended with a strategic Indian victory that led to the liberation of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. A total of 3,845 Indian soldiers were martyred in the war, including 190 from Himachal Pradesh and 21 from Mandi district.
Strong military legacy of Himachal
Retired Capt Het Ram Sharma, senior vice-president of the District Ex-Servicemen League, highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s rich military tradition, pointing out that despite being a small state, it has produced four Param Vir Chakra awardees. He also recalled that Subedar Kanshi Ram of Mandi district was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for gallantry during the 1962 war, calling it a matter of pride for the region.
The ceremony was attended by Mandi Mayor Virendra Bhatt, Mandi Sadar SDM Rupinder Kaur, Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathore, State Sainik Welfare Department Director Brig Madansheel Sharma, senior Army officers, representatives of ex-servicemen organisations and members of the Defence Women Welfare Association led by its president Asha Thakur and secretary Sarita Guleria.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to preserve the legacy of the 1971 war and to ensure continued respect, dignity and institutional support for the families of martyrs and veterans.
