The country's first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has passed away and is no longer in the world. General Rawat died in a helicopter accident (IAF Helicopter crash) in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on December 8. Although General Rawat recorded a video message the day before his death, he congratulated him on his victory in the 1971 war and paid homage to the soldiers who were martyred in the war. His last video message was shown at the Golden Victory Festival, which is being celebrated to mark 50 years of the 1971 war. In fact, his video for the same event was recorded on December 7, while he died in a tragic accident on December 8.

#WATCH Late CDS General Bipin Rawat's pre-recorded message played at an event on the occasion 'Swarnim Vijay Parv' inaugurated today at India Gate lawns in Delhi. This message was recorded on December 7.

(Source: Indian Army) pic.twitter.com/trWYx7ogSy

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2021

In the video, General Rawat had said, "On the occasion of Golden Victory, I extend my best wishes to all the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Indian Army's victory in the 1971 war as Vijay Parv. I pay homage to the brave soldiers of the Armed Forces on this auspicious occasion and their sacrifice.'' Giving details about the Golden Victory Festival, he further said, "Various programmes are being organized at India Gate from 12th to 14th December. It is a matter of great good fortune that Vijay Parv is being organized in the shade of the flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti, which was established in memory of our brave martyrs. We invite all the countrymen to participate in this victory festival celebrations. We are proud of our armies, let's celebrate Vijay Parv together. Jai Hind.''

Addressing the inaugural session of the Golden Victory Festival today, Rajnath Singh said, "A brave soldier, advisor and vivacious man has been lost in the passing away of General Rawat. He was very excited about organizing this Vijay Parv. Many a time, he had discussed with me the nature of this programme. So, I am feeling a lot of lack of them. He said that earlier the event was set to be celebrated in a grand manner, but after the death of 13 people including General Rawat, it has been decided to celebrate it with simplicity.

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