Terming the liberation of Bangladesh as one of the "brightest passage" in Indian history, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said the occasion was a reminder of the "courage and valour" of the Armed forces.
"Liberation of Bangladesh remains one of the brightest passages in country's history and marks India's commitment to the ideals of freedom from oppression and the right to self-determination and democratic self-rule," Gandhi said greeting 1971 war veterans on the 36th anniversary of the Indo-Pak war.
She applauded the "courage and valour" of armed forces for the liberation of Bangladesh.
"The diwas is a reminder of the courage and valour of our armed forces and the visionary leadership of Indira Gandhi," Gandhi said in her message.
She also inaugurated an exhibition on 1971 Indo-Pak war, in the presence of hundreds of war veterans, which ultimately led to the liberation of Bangladesh.
In specially made arrangements for the occasion at the sprawling lawn of AICC, Gandhi shook hands with hundreds of war veterans and gallantry award winners for their historic role during the war and greeted wished them "good health and happiness for the future".