Celina Jaitly Remembers Her Father's Harrowing Experience During the 1971 War
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Mumbai, Dec 3 (NationPress) Actress Celina Jaitly recently paid a touching homage to her late father, Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly, in remembrance of the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict.
In a moving social media update, Celina posted several images alongside her father and included the caption, “Kalika Mata Ki Jai!” (I begin with the Kumaon regiments war cry). On this day, December 3rd, the 1971 war commenced. My father, Lt. Vikram Kumar Jaitly, only 21 years old and newly commissioned, must have received his orders for deployment. Little did he and his fellow soldiers from 17 Kumaon realize that their battalion would be forever remembered for the Battle Honour Bhaduria, while facing some of the most severe casualties.”
She continued, “I often reflect on what thoughts occupied my father’s mind during that time—a young officer at the age of 21. He could never have predicted he would be critically injured, carrying the marks of bullets and shrapnel for the remainder of his life. His valor earned him two Wound Medals and later, the Sena Medal—medals that symbolize both visible and invisible sacrifices. Growing up, I watched my father proudly wear his uniform decorated with numerous medals. However, it is only now, with greater maturity, that I truly appreciate the sacrifices and bravery behind each one.”
He would often say, “As a Kumaoni soldier, you are part of the Creed of the Man-Eaters.” Guided by the battalion’s motto, Parakramo Vijayate (Valour Triumphs), and the war cry, Kalika Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother Kali), it was his steadfast faith in these words that enabled him to endure the war and its lifelong repercussions on his body and spirit.
The post further elaborated, “The 1971 war was a significant chapter in our nation’s history, resulting in around 3,000 casualties and 12,000 injuries on the Indian side. This conflict showcased unmatched bravery and sacrifice by our armed forces. Today, I honor my father, Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly (SM), and his battalion, the courageous jawans, NCOs, and officers of 17 Kumaon, as well as the valor of our entire Indian armed forces who fought to protect our nation. @indianarmy.adgpi.”
Celina concluded her post with a powerful reminder, “We must never forget the sacrifices made for India’s dedication to freedom and sovereignty. Just 13 days after the war began, the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signed the instrument of surrender, resulting in the formation of the nation of #Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka.”
Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly, Celina Jaitly's father, served as an infantry officer in the Indian army. He passed away in 2018 after a prolonged illness. The actress confirmed his passing in an emotional Facebook tribute that stated, “Our beloved father Colonel Vikram Kumar Jaitly left us yesterday at 5:23 AM... I express my gratitude to the doctors who did everything in their power to save him on behalf of my family.”
