1971 is an unforgettable year not only for Bangladeshis, but also for everyone who stands for preserving the dignity of a nation. After a nine-month war that saw Bangladeshis display remarkable bravery and perseverance against a mighty Pakistani military, Bangladesh won her freedom on December 16, 1971. As thankful as Bangladesh is to her brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their blood and lives in the course of the struggle, she has also not forgotten those who lent a hand of friendship to triumph in the blood-filled war, the most prominent being India.
In 2016, 45 years following the war, Bajaj, a company situated in the land of our oldest ally, has taken up an initiative to reignite that bond of friendship. It has launched the Bajaj V, a motorcycle made from the metal of INS Vikrant, an Indian aircraft carrier that played a pivotal role during the War of Liberation.
The first ever aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, INS Vikrant’s participation during the concluding stages of the War of Liberation was decisive. It helped Bangladesh win battles in key areas such as Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khuna, and Mongla Port. Also, its presence in our waters was among the deteriorating factors that prevented the Seventh Fleet to intervene in the war.
INS Vikrant was decommissioned in 1997, and from 1997 to 2012, it was preserved as a Museum Ship in Mumbai, until it was closed in 2012 for safety reasons. Standing testament to the monumental sacrifices made during the War of Liberation in 1971, the Steering Wheel of the ship currently lies at the Liberation War museum in Dhaka.
In an attempt to rekindle the legend of invincibility that revolves around the INS Vikrant, Bajaj took over the remains of the ship and infused the metal into its V series of motorcycles. Akin to our brave freedom fighters, the Bajaj V defines understated toughness. With a solid and powerful body, and a powerful 150 CC engine pumping in 12 PS of power and 13 Nm of peak torque, the motorcycle rightfully upholds the spirit of Liberation War in Bangladesh.
Bajaj V is a fitting tribute to the freedom fighters who snatched away victory from the superior Pakistani armed forces, and established Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation on the world map. Carrying the spirit of the INS Vikrant, the motorcycle has been launched in the Bangladesh market for bikers who want a feel of invincibility that became symbolised by the mighty INS Vikrant.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
