New Delhi, Dec 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the homage and reception ceremony of Swarnim Vijay Mashaals at the National War Memorial here on December 16, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed on Wednesday.

As part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in 1971 war and formation of Bangladesh on December 16 last year, the PM lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the eternal flame at the National War Memorial, the PMO said in a statement here.

He also lit four flames that were to traverse along different directions. Since then, these four flames have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch, and Agartala.

The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of 1971 war, the statement said.

During the homage ceremony, these four flames will be merged by the PM with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial, it added.

UNI