Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame (Vijay Jyoti) – Karwar

The Victory Flame Swarnim Vijay Mashaal of Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations was positioned at the statue of late Major Rama Raghoba Rane, Param Vir Chakra (PVC) at Chapal Museum, Rabindranath Tagore beach, Karwar on 22 September 2021, as a tribute to the first living recipient of the PVC, India's highest military decoration. The 'Vijay Jyoti' was received by Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, in the presence of Mrs Rajeshwari Rane, wife of late Major Rama Raghoba Rane, veterans from the Armed Forces, civilian dignitaries and Indian Army and Indian Navy Personnel. Wreaths were laid in honour of Major Rama Raghoba Rane and other gallant warriors who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation's cause. Major Rama Raghoba Rane, PVC was born on 26 June 1918 in the Chendia village of Karwar. Rane served in the British Indian Army during the Second World War. He remained in the military during the post war period and was commissioned into the Bombay Sappers Regiment of the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers on 15 December 1947. In April 1948, during the Indo Pak War of 1947, Rane played a key role in capture of Rajauri by Indian forces by being instrumental in clearing several roadblocks and minefields. His actions helped make the way for advancing Indian tanks. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on 08 April 1948 for his gallantry. He retired as a Major from the Indian Army in 1968. During his 28 years' service with the Army, he was mentioned in despatches five times. He died in 1994 at the age of 76. The venue, Chapal Museum, is of great significance as INS Chapal was a potent warship that served the Indian Navy from 1976 to 2005. After her decommissioning, the illustrious warship was positioned on special concrete blocks at the Rabindranath Tagore Beach and created into a museum to inspire future generations. The Victory Flame will remain at Karwar till 24 September 2021 and thereafter will continue it's onward journey to Belgaum.