Kochi. ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ (Victory flame) was received in traditional military custom by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, PVSM AVSM, NM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Southern Naval Command (SNC) at War Memorial inside Naval Base, Kochi on March 24. The event was witnessed by War Veterans, senior officers and men from SNC.

The ‘Victory Flame’, was accorded ceremonial reception by 50 men Guard of Honour. The Victory Flame reached Kochi on March 23 after traveling a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometres, and is travelling in four cardinal directions of Defence commands in the country commemorating the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ i.e. completion of 50 years of Bangladesh liberation war. The flame will be traveling across the cities and villages felicitating the war heroes and their Next of Kins who were part of 1971 War.

As a mark of Honour and Respect to the War Vetrans the ‘Victory Flame’ will visit the houses of CX John CPO (Retd) residing in Njarackal followed by TK Michael MCERA II (Retd), Nau Sena Medal (Gallantry) from Karumalloor. Thereafter the Flame will proceed to the residence of Sub Lieutenant VL Pappachan, Nau Sena Medal (Gallantry) (Retd) residing in Varapuzha at Ernakulam District on March 25. The Navy Band and ceremonial guard is also accompanying the team.