<span style="color: #222222;">The Air Force Station in Bengaluru organised felicitation of 1971 war heroes and their next of kin today as a part of the ongoing 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' 2021 commemoration.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Victory Flame lit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16th December 2020, was received at Air Force Station by the Station Commander Group Captain S.A. Varghese.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, presented souvenirs to the war heroes and their next of kin.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Among those who were honoured on this occasion, was Vir Chakra medal winner Wing Commander Aspari Raghunath.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Air Marshal R. D. Mathur praised the valour and bravery of our soldiers during the 1971 war and called upon the Air warriors to emulate the highest standards of professional excellence.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">As a mark of gratitude to the war veterans, soil was collected from their residences which will be used for tree plantation at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During the ceremony, a live band show by Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra, performances by dance troupes and screening of documentaries on 1971 war heroes were organised filling the arena with feelings of patriotism.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Victory Torch travelling across the length and breadth of the country was handed over to the team of Army Pioneer Corps Training Centre in Bengaluru for its onward journey of commemoration.</span><br />''