To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War, the year 2021 is being solemnised as Swarnim Vijay Varsh. As a symbol of this solemnity, four Victory Mashaals (flames) were lit from the Eternal Flame of the National War Memorial, New Delhi by the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and sent in all four cardinal directions.
On 11th July 2021, the Mashaal was received by CO 9 RAJPUT at Rana post from CO 6 MARATH LI and was brought to Dawar where it was received by the 1971 war veterans with full elan and pride.
A procession, comprising of Horsemen, Pipe band, service men of Army, Air Force, BSF and CISF, Ex-servicemen, cultural troupe mounted on vehicle cavalcade, children of various schools of the area and a huge gathering of Awaam, then moved to the War Memorial paying respect to the Mashaal and exchanging hands before carrying out Wreath laying ceremony by various civilian and military dignitaries.
The Mashaal was then carried on foot to Dawar Helipad where it was placed for veneration. An elaborate ceremony with fanfare and enthusiasm was conducted at the helipad and was attended by many civil and military dignitaries. The ceremony began with a brief introduction to Swarnim Vijay Varsh followed by felicitation of 1971 war veterans and various cultural programs were presented by the locals, youth and school children.
To spread the warmth and involve the locals in the celebration, plethora of activities were organized as under:-
1. A cycle expedition was flagged off by the SDPO Gurez from Dawar Helipad to Barnoi and back with acclaimed cyclist and world record holder, Mr Adil Teli, leading the expedition.
2. A Trekking Expedition was launched to Mount Habba Khatoon where they fired tricolor smoke candles after reaching the summit of the peak.
3. Gurez Idol, a talent hunt, was conducted from 8 July 21 and the finalists performed during the event and were awarded.
4. Drawing competition was conducted for the Children of AGS.
5. Pagal Gymkhana was organised at the venue with a plethora of games and food stalls.
The Mashaal was received with great warmth and enthusiasm by the locals who participated in very large numbers. A nationalistic fervor and patriotic spirit radiated throughout and could be felt amongst all. The flame then continued its journey to Niru, after a warm welcome in Niru and numerous activities, the flame returned back to Dawar where it will be kept at the Rajput Hall for the night with full military respect before it proceeds to the Brigade HQ tomorrow.
