Bengaluru (Dec 13), INANS: To mark the 50th Anniversary of Harar Kalan’s attack on India-Pakistan during the war between India and Pakistan, December 10, 1971, Bengaluru’s Christian United Forum honored two war heroes.At the Sunday function in St.Mary’s Church, Ramamurthy Nagar in Bengaluru, two war heroes — Colonel Vinod Choji and Brigadier Vijay Kumar — were honored.
Along with Second Lieutenant David Alexander Devadason, Brigadier Vijay Kumar fought in several wars: 1962 in Ladakh against China; 1965 in Kargil against Pakistan; 1971 in Shakargarh Sector against Pakistan; and 1971 in Punjab against Pakistan.
For his outstanding participation in both the 1965 and 1971 Wars, Kumar received two Gallantry Awards.
Vinod Joshi was a participant in the 1962 War in China in Chushul as well as the 1971 War in Pakistan against Pakistan in Bangladesh.
He also contributed to the liberation and reorganization of Bangladesh.He was able to surrender large numbers of Pakistani troops.
T.J.Abraham was the Forum’s President.He stated that Second Lieutenant David Alexander Devadason was commanding a platoon from ‘W’ Company and displayed remarkable grit in destroying the Pakistani medium machine gun bunker.This was hindering Indian battalions’ progress.
He broke away from his lines in a split second and charged straight into the Pakistani bunker unassisted, lobbing a granite to destroy and silence the bunker.
He stated that his selfless and timely actions helped India advance against the Pakistani forces during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
Lt.David Alexander Devadason’s body, which had taken 18 bullets, was found with his hands tightly holding on to the Cross in the chain in his neck, he said.
The condolences were given and candle light prayers were held for CDS General Bipin Rawat and the other esteemed defence personnel, who lost their lives in the helicopter crash.
The event was solemnised by Fr.Dony, the Parish Priest of St.Mary’s church, Ramamurthy Nagar.Christian United Forum and other office bearers Peter George, Aida D’cunha, Nataline Williams and Gracy Peter were present.
The Parish Priest Fr.Dony highlighted the fact that none of those present, including himself, had the privilege of physically seeing or hearing about the ground realities/details of the famous 1971 Indo-Pak war, but were privileged today to see and hear from the two surviving veterans, who were on the war field, after having offered themselves to die for the Nation.
Fr.Dony also appealed to the youth present at the occasion to take the physical presence of the war heroes as an inspiration and join the defence forces, to serve the motherland.
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