Rohan Varma's Address to the Nation (December 21, 1947)
"My dear countrymen and women,
Today, I stand before you not merely as your Prime Minister but as one among you, filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have achieved together in the last few weeks. I address you as an Indian who, like all of you, has seen our nation face its toughest test since independence, and I am proud to say that we have not just survived, we have triumphed.
The war that began in early December has now come to an end, and with it, we have rewritten the history of this subcontinent. Within days of Pakistan's ill-conceived offensive, we launched a counterstrike with a boldness and precision that the world did not expect. What was once thought impossible has been achieved in less than a fortnight. The cities of Lahore, Multan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with the entire region of Kashmir, have returned to us. Karachi has fallen, and Hyderabad now flies the tricolor proudly.
Our military, driven by determination, courage, and a profound love for this nation, carried out a three-pronged strategy that stunned the world. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the hills of Kashmir, our brave soldiers moved with precision and strength. They pushed forward relentlessly, liberating every inch of land that was once threatened by an adversary that underestimated the will of India.
In just over two weeks, we achieved what no one thought possible: the fall of Pakistan's major cities and the securing of territories that were long contested. This victory is not just a military one. It is a testament to the spirit of India. It is a reflection of the strength that lies within each one of us, a strength that has been honed by centuries of resilience and sacrifice.
To our soldiers, I say this: You have done more than defend our borders. You have ensured that future generations of Indians can live in peace and security. You have made us proud, and we owe you a debt that words cannot express. The world will remember your bravery. Our history will never forget the grit you displayed, marching into Lahore, Multan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, and raising our flag where so many thought it could not be done.
But let us not forget that this war, as swift as it was, came at a cost. Lives were lost, families were shattered, and communities displaced. We mourn those who gave everything for this victory. Their sacrifice was not in vain, for they have given us a future that is brighter and safer. To the families of those who have fallen, I offer my deepest condolences. The entire nation stands with you in grief, and we will honor their memories by building the India they dreamed of.
The war is over, and we now find ourselves at a crossroads, a moment of reflection, but also of great opportunity. With the capture of Gilgit-Baltistan, we have secured the crown of Kashmir, a land that belongs to India in every sense historically, geographically, and culturally. The world may see this as territory gained, but for us, it is much more. It is a victory for the people who have long yearned for peace and prosperity under the banner of a unified India.
In Lahore and Multan, our forces demonstrated remarkable skill and speed, capturing these key cities and crippling the enemy's capacity to fight. And in Karachi and Hyderabad, where our Navy and Air Force played critical roles, we have secured not just military victories but the strategic future of India's western seaboard. Our dominance in these regions will ensure that no future threat can easily challenge our borders or our sovereignty.
Our actions have sent a message not just to our neighbors but to the entire world: India will not be threatened, India will not be divided, and India will not be cowed by aggression. We have proven that peace can only be preserved through strength, and that strength must always be tempered by justice.
Even as the dust settles from this conflict, we face a new set of challenges, challenges that are, in many ways, even more complex than those of war. We must now rebuild the territories we have taken, ensuring that the people of these regions are integrated into the fabric of India. We must provide them with security, stability, and the promise of a better future. The war may be over, but our work is just beginning.
At the same time, we cannot forget the broader picture. The world has watched as India moved swiftly, decisively, and with great moral clarity. Our leadership on the global stage has never been more pronounced. Through diplomacy and negotiation, we have ensured that India retains Gilgit-Baltistan, securing our strategic northern borders for generations to come. And while many powers attempted to interfere in our affairs, believing that they could dictate terms, I stand here today to tell you that India has emerged from these negotiations stronger, not weaker.
The ceasefire talks were not easy. We faced pressure from all sides, nations that sought to limit our gains and to force us into compromises that would have undermined our sovereignty. But we did not waver. We knew what was at stake, and we knew that the sacrifices of our soldiers demanded that we hold firm. And so we did. Let there be no doubt: this victory belongs to India, and it was won on our terms.
To Pakistan, I say this: Your aggression has failed. Your attempts to divide us have only strengthened our unity. But let this be a moment of reflection for both our nations. War is never the path to peace. We must now turn our focus to rebuilding what has been lost, not just in terms of land, but in terms of trust and cooperation. India seeks peace, but we will never compromise on our sovereignty or security.
To the world, I say this: India has proven that we are not just a nation of peace, but a nation of strength. We are prepared to defend our land and our people, but we also seek a future where no such defense is necessary. We will continue to engage with the international community, to build alliances, and to contribute to global peace and stability. Our position on the United Nations Security Council is a reflection of this commitment, and we will use that platform to advocate for justice and fairness for all nations.
As we move forward, let us remember that this moment, this victory, belongs to every Indian. Whether you fought on the frontlines or contributed from home, whether you are from the north, south, east, or west, this victory is yours. India stands united, and together, we will build the future that our forefathers dreamed of, a future of peace, prosperity, and unity.
The war is over, my friends. And now, we begin the work of building a stronger, more united India. Jai Hind!"